| When it comes to mounting, you should expect your | | | | Finally, just prior to placing your foot in the stirrup, take |
| horse to stand quietly while you get on. In addition, he | | | | hold of the saddle horn and rock it back and forth so |
| should remain standing until you ask him to move off. | | | | he can brace himself. And as you step aboard, be |
| If you've been attentive to the little things during | | | | sure to avoid poking him with your toe. |
| catching, leading, and saddling, your horse will already | | | | A Standing Habito While Mounting - To keep a horse |
| be in a willing, waiting-on-you frame of mind. Mounting | | | | good about standing for mounting, you should not finish |
| will not likely be an issue. However, by addressing a | | | | mounting if he moves as you are getting on. Instead, |
| few key details, you can help ensure his continued | | | | step back down. |
| success. | | | | Now, think of making moving just a bit uncomfortable |
| Standing Made Easyo Mentally - To help your horse | | | | for him; ask him to step his hindquarters over. Then pet |
| prepare mentally before mounting, pick up on a rein. | | | | on him and offer to let him stand. In other words, you |
| Now ask him to briefly give his head to that side, | | | | make it a little uncomfortable when he moves and real |
| without moving his feet. Release. Pick up on the other | | | | comfortable when he stands.o Before Moving Off - |
| rein, and ask him to give his head to that side, without | | | | After you are mounted, don't move right off. Instead, |
| moving his fee. Release. | | | | adopt a routine that encourages him to wait. |
| If he promptly turns himself over to you and yields his | | | | You might, for example, take his head to either side |
| head while his feet remain still, he'll be more apt to | | | | while his feet remain still and then pick up (and briefly |
| stand while you get on. If he doesn't, instead of getting | | | | hold) a soft feel. That way, rather than "chomping at |
| on, you should work with him on the ground until he is | | | | the bit" to move off the moment you're in the saddle, |
| comfortable about yielding his head to each side, | | | | he learns to wait for your directions on what to do |
| independent of his feet.o Physically - You can shape | | | | next. |
| the horse up physically for mounting by positioning his | | | | Now, settle your mind and focus on a mental image of |
| feet so that he's standing square. Step him up or back, | | | | your horse picking up a soft feel and carrying it up into |
| as needed, to square him up. He can then | | | | a walk. Finally, actually pick up that soft feel, put life into |
| accommodate your weight without being forced to | | | | your body, and go with him as the two of you move |
| shift his feet to catch his balance as you mount. | | | | off together. |