Irrelevant mounting poll...

[PapaFrita]

When mounting from the ground I face the tail so I don't poke my toe into A or PF's side and once standing on the stirrup swivel round. Other people I know face the head, but that just doesn't work for me... how about you lot?

 

[Chex]

If I got on from the ground I would face the tail, but I don't get on the from the ground, combination of slipping saddle, and complete lack of agility (and he's only 14.1

)

 

[polyphonic]

Ive done all of them

 

[Nari]

I can't mount Jim from the ground - if I drop the stirrup far enough to reach easily it's then too far for me to wing my leg over

 

[Mbronze]

I try to face the tail, but sometimes when I have my foot in the stirrup my youngest likes to walk off (bad girl!!

) so i end up swivelling round facing the head hopping with one leg...don't like to sock her in the mouth for doing this, so apart from facing her to the wall - suggestions would be appreciated..

 

[Krysha_n_Helga]

i get on from a mount block coz she with start buckor bronking if i get on from the floor lol but is good as gold if i get on from the block

 

[dixie]

I do as you do,

I quite fancy being able to leap from the ground in a flambouyant style - once upon a time, many years ago in my gymkhana days maybe!

 

[FREESTYLER]

I use a ladder!! te he!! Naw...mounting block... but fell off last week and had to mount from the ground and face the rear!

 

[Alibear]

on the rare occasions I get on from the ground I face the horses head and put my foot in the stirrup in the same postition as it would be when mounted , hence no way can I poke poor horse with my toes.
Don't tell me I'm doing this wrong aswell

 

[Haflinger]

I either use a mounting block, or if I get on from the ground, face the horse's head.

 

[fairhill]

I face the tail, but sometimes end up facing the horse when she walks off.
I remember when I used to be able to leap on bareback to gallop up the field... sadly those days are long gone

 

[Tierra]

I always use a mounting block and tend to face the head but tbh, since our mounting blocks are rather high, its not an issue

In my days of getting on from the ground i always face the tail (years of being screamed at by an instructor i think).

 

[tabithakat64]

i get on from a chair or bucket ( not very safe but mine hate the mounting block) can get on both from the floor if necessary and i face the tail when mounting, had it drummed into me at pony club

 

[Judie]

I actually use a mounting block now I'm old and stiff! However, when I did mount from the ground I would face the head so if they took off or moved I would go with them not fall flat on my bum

 

[Tempi]

if i get on from the ground (which is never as i always use a mounting block) - then i would face the tail and swivel round.

 

[riotgirl]

I like irrelevant polls! Just been standing in office pretending to mount my horse so I could give you an answer - so cheers PF, am now getting odd looks from the IT guys who walked past as I was doing it.

Anyway, I face tail end just incase my girl decided to take a crafty nip at my bum.

 

[CSYMolly]

Molly won't let me get on from the ground but on the odd occasion I have had to (like an unofficial dismount on a hack) I have to be VERY careful not to touch her side to do the same as you.

 

[jenbleep]

i cant get on from the ground because i am a lump of lard and will pull his back all across the place! xxx

 

[trundle]

I am a short-arse and ride a tall horse so can't get on from the ground anyway, plus I am completely spring-less these days. However, in the days when I was a wee young thing with a bit of spring...facing the tail, always.

 

[Fantasy_World]

If I got on from the ground I would face the tail but I have not mounted that way for a long time ( crikey that sounds terrible lol). What I mean is that I am not as fit as I used to be before I had my horse and he is too big to mount from the ground anyway. Someone who is more athletic probably could but it is not recommended anyway as it can pull their back when you get on so I always use a bench, step or anything that gives me some height safely.
Good poll btw
Cazx

 

[kick_On]

don't do mounting from ground............ will climb up anything/get on so called wrong side, to avoid

but if had to face tail and swivel on mounting

 

[Folara]

I always use a mounting block being a short-ass and arthritic however when I have HAD to get on from the ground I always face the tail. Not sure I could do it any other way lol.

 

[sloulou]

I usually get on using a mounting block - but if i do get on from the ground I face the tail and swivel around

Much prefer to use mounting block tho - seems kinder to their backs...

 

[cazza]

I face the tail, it's not that easy to face the tail with a western saddle the fenders stop you rotating the stirrup that far and usually end up digging the poor horse in the ribs!

 

[harvgj19]

I always face the tail when mounting from the ground, but whenever possible I use the mounting block. I was always taught to face the tail when mounting, and always taught my beginners that way too.

 

[rrose]

i get on from the block but if i do need to get on from the floor i face the horse i think and scrable up. my horse is 16.1.. thats a long way

 

[rara007]

what is the 'reccomended way' facing tail or head?

Haz

 

[Forget_Me_Not]

I put tail facing....Which I do...But when your 5'8ft in tight jodpurs and your sturggling to mount a 16.2hh from ground....It's any means possible....

 

[JessPickle]

If I do get on from the ground I face the tail. I can actually mount pickle from the ground its just a bit hard! (which is understandable I think 5ft 7 versus 17.1hh!)