I cringe when I see people getting on horses while nothing about the situation is calm or relaxed. Maybe you’ve seen it too—or lived it. Tense rider. Fidgety horse. No one breathing. That used to be me, until I learned better.
Now, the very first thing I do with my horses is make sure they are standing quietly before I even think about getting on. And honestly? If all we do in a session is get calm and stand still for mounting—that’s a great session. No need to rush past that and miss something.
Having someone hold your horse is totally fine if your horse is already calm and it’s just for your anxiety. That’s a smart and supportive step. But if someone is holding your horse because it won’t stand still? You’re setting yourself up for bigger issues down the road or an accident now. You’re skipping the foundation.
And here’s the good news: this is one of the easiest things I’ve ever taught a horse, besides ground tying.
Let me paint the picture. I have off-the-track thoroughbreds. They’re used to fast, high-pressure situations—jockeys getting tossed on while the horse is already moving. So we’re not starting from zero calm. And still, this works.
Here’s what I do:
- Tack up like it’s a regular ride. I want them used to the full experience.
- Use the round pen fence. I sit up there and ask the horse to walk under me, like I’m going to mount. If they move, I gently ask them to back or move side to side a few times, then ask again. I repeat until they walk up and stand quietly under me from both directions.
- On the ground. I stand beside them like I would to mount—except I’m short and they’re tall, so we both pretend. If they move, we do a few steps of groundwork, then try again. I don’t give up until they stand still on both sides.
- Mounting block, trailer fenders, tree stumps—you name it. I do the same work from every mounting scenario I can find.
Some people mount from both sides once the horse is solid, and that’s great. But I stick with the left. It’s what feels easiest and safest for me, especially with anxiety in the mix. And easy is good.
The #1 KEY:
The horse must stand quietly for mounting.
That’s it. That’s the key.
If you’re struggling with riding confidence, anxious energy, or a horse that fidgets while you’re trying to get on—start here. Calm before climb. You’ll both feel the difference.
For additional mounting tips, listen to my latest podcast - Episode 95: Confident Mounting: 3 Essential Steps for Every Rider
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