Mounting alone w/out stirrups(, saddle) or block - vaulting?

[Tickles]

I can (although for convenience and his back I tend not to) mount share horsey from the ground (if I let stirrup down a bit). but encountered a new problem last night... Thought we'd have a little walk around bareback after our loose schooling session but realised there is no block in the school we were in...

I've 'vaulted' on in the 'large horse with vaulting roller' sense but bareback there is nothing to hold onto. So, in theory, should I be doing the same 'swing one leg over as I hop' thing (in which case where do I put hands?) or do I sort of launch my whole body over his back and then scramble astride as I've seen some cavalry do?

I'll almost certainly have to practice this alone but The Unsuitable Chestnut Arab is actually relatively good abt bareback and being clambered on in general. So, with a few pointers and some bravery about him occasionally reverting to the old 'wandering off when being mounted' habit we *should* be OK...

 

[Charmaine18]

I can't even get on Scooby from the ground WITH a saddle.

He's only 14.2hh.

In my defence, it's mostly because he's so round his saddle slips really badly no matter how tight the girth is - although I am an un-supple great lump as well.

 

[Tickles]

Well, judging by the number of views before any replies I'd say you aren't alone!

A little google found some US sites with people talking about both the methods I was trying to describe. The leaning over one seems to be considered safest (makes sense) but less elegant/fast.

They also mentioned the (uneven) strain on the horses back... I was thinking I might try this from both sides for both our benefit... started with bouncing around with hands and legs all over him on both sides to acclimatise - must have looked a total site!

 

[kerilli]

if you can vault on (and i salute you if you can!) it's much better for their back than mounting from the ground, obv.
here's the master at work, the WONDERFUL endospink:
http://www.youtube.com/user/endospink#p/u/40/aBSPQSkQgD4

 

[Bedlam]

I told my daughter she could have another eventer if she could vault onto it.

She's quite an athlete, and is a county level high jumper, but for some reason, just can't vault onto a horse. I think I'm pretty safe.........

 

[pixie]

I would jump up so that the bottom of my ribcage is in line with horses spine, and then swing my leg over. Helps if there is bit of mane to hold on to

Don't do it with too much gusto, or you'll do what I did and slide over the other side and land in a messy, embarressed heap!

 

[oldvic]

If you want to vault on it is easier at the shoulder than where the saddle would go. Bounce then jump with your left hand holding the top of the neck or mane and the right hand at the back of the withers and get your ribs and right elbow over the horse, then it is easier to get on from there.