Your first time mounting a horse may seem daunting. It looks simple enough when you watch the cowboys in the movies swing their leg into the saddle. But it is a little different when you are standing next to the horse ready to get on for the first time and your trying to figure out which foot goes in the stirrup.
Mounting a horse might sound simple enough, but doing it correctly will keep you safe and your horse comfortable. A smooth, balanced mount prevents the saddle from slipping, reduces stress on your horse’s back, and sets you up for a good ride.
In this short guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about mounting properly—whether you’re new to riding or just want to work on your technique.
Step 1: Perform a Safety Check
As a riding instructor I would have my students check their tack before even thinking about getting on. It’s essential to to a tack safety check and make sure your horse is ready for mounting. A loose girth or a twisted bridle will probably cause problems once you’re in the saddle.
Tack Safety Checklist
For all these tack pieces below you should make sure that the leather is in good condition. Leather that is dried, cracked, worn out or torn is more likely to break and fail.
- Bridle: Check that the noseband, throatlatch, and bit are all properly fitted and buckled. Nothing should be twisted, pinching, or too loose and the leathers should be in the keepers.
- Saddle: Make sure the saddle pad is straight, their is some space between saddle pad and withers, the saddle is sitting evenly and in the correct spot, and the stirrup leathers are at the correct length for you.
- Girth: Your girth should be quite snug, but not overly tight. You still want to be able to fit a couple of fingers between the girth and your horse, but no more.
- Stirrups: Pull both stirrups down from the saddle so they’re ready to use.
- Safety bar (on an English saddle): If your saddle has a safety bar, make sure it is open so the stirrup leathers can come loose in an emergency. For example if you fell off and your foot got stuck in the stirrup, and the horse started running off, the leather should come loose so your less likely to be dragged.
This quick check prevents tack malfunctions and ensures a comfortable ride for both you and your horse.
Step 2: Adjust Your Stirrups
Your stirrups should be the right length before mounting. A quick way to check is to hold the stirrup iron against your armpit while extending the stirrup leather down your arm. The bottom of the stirrup should reach just around your wrist.
If the stirrups are too short or long, adjust them before getting on.
Here is a blog post more on getting the correct stirrup length: How To Get The Proper Stirrup Length (English Stirrups)
Step 3: Position Yourself Correctly
Stand at your horse’s left side, next to the saddle. Most horses are trained to be mounted from the left, though some are comfortable with mounting from either side.
Your Body Position:
- Hold both reins in your left hand, resting it lightly on your horse’s neck. Keep them short enough that you have control, but not so tight that you pull on your horse’s mouth.
- If you have extra rein length (also called a “bight”), toss it to the far side of your horse’s neck so it doesn’t get tangled.
- With your right hand, hold onto the front of the saddle (pommel) or the mane for balance.
- Place your left foot in the stirrup, toe pointing down to avoid jabbing your horse in the belly.
Step 4: Mount Smoothly and Gently
Now comes the most important part and slightly more difficult part—getting on without unbalancing the horse or shifting the saddle too much.
- Push off with your right foot and spring up in a smooth motion. Try your best to avoid kicking your horse or using too much force when you go to get on.
- Pause for a moment as you hover over the saddle, keeping both legs together and your weight balanced.
- Then gently swing your right leg over the horse’s back, again being careful not to accidentally kick them.
- Lower yourself into the saddle as softly as you can—don’t plop down hard, as this is not very comfortable for your horse.
If you struggle to get enough lift or spring, you can use a mounting block, a step, or get help from a friend. This is especially useful if your horse is tall or if you want to avoid putting too much strain on their back.
But it is good to know how to get on from the ground and be able to do it because there won’t always be a mounting block or someone to help you, for example out on the trail. Although it is rare because usually their is at least a rock or stump you can employ.
Step 5: Get Settled Before Moving Off
Once you’re in the saddle, take a moment to adjust your position before asking your horse to move.
Adjusting your position after mounting:
- Put your right foot into the stirrup and make sure both feet are secure.
- Hold the reins properly—not too tight, not too loose.
- Sit up tall and balanced, with your weight evenly distributed.
- Check that your girth is still snug. If needed, reach down and tighten it gently.
Now you’re ready to ask your horse to walk and start riding!
If you want to learn more about all the basics of how to ride check out this blog post I wrote: How To Ride A Horse For Beginners: Ultimate Guide
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Grabbing the cantle (back of the saddle): This can cause the saddle to slide sideways as well as unbalance your horse.
- Mounting too forcefully: Jumping or flopping down hard can hurt your horses back and even cause them to move away from you.
- Letting your horse walk off immediately: Always make sure your horse is standing still before moving off. It is good for the horse to learn to stand and wait after mounting instead of immediately walking off after someone gets on. This is common in OTTBs (Off The Track Thoroughbreds) who are used to the jockey being tossed on and moving off right away. This teaches the horse patience and to wait for your signal and starts the ride off on the right hoof.
By following these steps, you’ll develop good mounting habits that keep both you and your horse comfortable and safe.
Final Thoughts
Mounting a horse correctly is a fundamental skill that sets the tone for the rest of your ride. Take the time to check your tack, position yourself properly, mount smoothly, adjust yourself in the saddle as you have your horse stand and wait to ensure a positive experience for you and your horse.
