Mounting Tecniques.

[BlondeTenshi]

Howdy,

I was wondering about your opinions on mounting from the ground. I have recently started doing 4-H shows with a free-leased horse and her owner has me mounting from the ground. Now I heard that sticking your foot in the stirrup and mounting from the ground can be hard on the horses back and muscles. I also heard of a different way to mount by swinging up like you're riding bareback. Can anyone shed some light on which might be the better solution and if what I heard was correct or not. Just to add it in the horse I ride is an 8 year old QH/Appaloosa or Paint mare (the person who her owner bought her from wasn't sure if she was half Appy or Paint, people have told us that she could be either).

Thank you for your help and have a good day.

[Runky]

Mounting block is the best way to go. That or mounting from a fence or something. It's easier on their back. And mounting from the ground can also cause your stirrup leather to stretch more on the side you mount. Plus if you ride a horse like mine who's a round little bean, then the saddle can slide.