When you finish your ride, and it’s time to get off you may realize just how high up you are. Your legs might feel a bit stiff, and the ground suddenly seems a lot farther away than it did when you mounted. At this point you might start wondering—how do I get off without falling on my butt?
If you think this may be you your first time don’t worry! Every new rider has that moment of hesitation before dismounting. But getting off your horse safely is actually pretty simple when you know the right steps.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to dismount safely and smoothly so you can end your ride on a good note.
Step 1: Prepare for a Safe Dismount
Before you hop off, make sure you and your horse are ready. A rushed or unbalanced dismount can startle your horse, so taking a few seconds to prepare yourself will help prevent problems.
Things to Check Before Dismounting
- Make sure your horse is standing still—It’s much easier (and safer) to dismount from a horse that isn’t moving. Though in the future you may learn to do an emergency dismount at the walk and trot. For now dismounting at the halt is the way to go.
- Shorten your reins slightly—This keeps your horse from wandering off the moment you get off.
- Look around for obstacles—Avoid dismounting near fences, walls, or anything that could be in the way. If your in an arena dismounting towards the middle of the arena is usually best so you are also out of the way of any other riders.
Step 2: Remove Your Feet from the Stirrups
Before you swing your leg over to get off, take both feet out of the stirrups.
Many beginner riders hesitate to do this, but keeping your foot in the stirrup while dismounting is a common mistake. If your foot gets caught, the horse moves unexpectedly or you lose your balance, you could get stuck and fall awkwardly.
- Take both feet out of the stirrups before dismounting.
- Keep your legs relaxed and in control to avoid accidentally kicking your horse.
Step 3: Swing Your Right Leg Over the Horse’s Back
Once your feet are free from the stirrups, it’s time to get off.
- Lean forward slightly and place your right hand on the pommel (front of the saddle) or your horse’s neck for balance. Similar to how your hands were when you mounted your horse.
- Swing your right leg over your horse’s rump, being careful not to touch or kick them. Some horses are sensitive to this and might move suddenly if they feel your leg brush against them.
- Turn your body as you swing over, so that when you slide down, your side is facing your horse.
This way, you land facing forward, making it easy to move away from your horse if needed.
Step 4: Slide Down Gently
Now for the actual landing. Instead of jumping off or dropping down hard, try to slide down in a controlled way.
- Keep your hands on the saddle or your horse’s neck for balance.
- Bend your knees slightly as you land to absorb the impact.
- Let go of the saddle or mane only once you have both feet on the ground.
Landing lightly prevents jarring your joints, hurting your feet and toes (or worse, twisting an ankle), and it keeps your horse from getting startled.
Step 5: Finish Up After Dismounting
Now that you’re safely on the ground, there are a few last things to do before walking away.
- Run up the stirrups—If you’re riding English, pull your stirrups up so they don’t dangle and get caught on anything. I have experienced myself as a child after a lesson I had taken my stirrup getting caught on something leaving the indoor arena. Luckily when the horse panicked a little bit about getting caught, the stirrup leather came off because the safety bar on the saddle was open. I remember my heart racing in that moment. Luckily everything turned out okay.
- Take the reins over your horse’s head—Hold them properly so you can lead your horse safely.
- Loosen the girth a few holes if you’re done riding—This lets your horse relax and prevents discomfort.
If you’re remounting soon, you can leave the girth as is, but otherwise, it’s good practice to loosen it by a hole or two.
If you want to learn about the basics of how to ride: How To Ride A Horse For Beginners: Ultimate Guide
What NOT to Do When Dismounting
- Never swing your leg forward over the horse’s neck. It might seem like an easier way to get off, but it’s dangerous! You have to let go of the reins to do this, and if your horse moves suddenly, you could land on their back (or worse, fall). An exception to this would be if you were doing the “around the world exercise” and there was a someone experienced holding your horse.
- Don’t jump off forcefully. A controlled slide is much safer than leaping off. I have seen this happen several times with beginners in lessons, even more intermediate riders on accident. Sometimes the horse might spook a little or move away sideways and one time I saw someone actually fall backwards on their bum (they were okay and we laughed about it but still a lesson to be learned here.)
- Avoid dismounting in tight spaces. Always check your surroundings before getting off to prevent landing on something—or someone.
Final Thoughts
Dismounting might seem like a small part of riding, but doing it correctly is just as important as mounting properly. Taking your time, following these steps, and being mindful of your horse will ensure a smooth and safe dismount every time.
Want to improve your mounting skills? Check out my How to Mount a Horse guide to make sure you’re getting on just as safely as you’re getting off!
Cheers,
Kacey
