Sandstone1
Well-Known Member
I'm thinking of buying a mounting block, surprised at how expensive they are! Any ideas as what can be used instead?
Thanks, having a young horse, I want something stable.
Stack of wooden pallets. Stack of milk crates. Both can be a little wobbly but perfectly adequate for us
It drives me mad how many people don't use them properly (unless I am wrong of course!) You steps should face towards your horses bum so you walk up the steps as if you are passing on his nearside - that's how I was taught.
Just because it is the way you were taught doesn't mean it is the correct way or even that there is a correct way to use a mounting block. As long as it is safe mount from i think anything goes!
Maybe I am old school but I was taught to mount with my left foot in the stirrup facing towards the horses bum and then as you swing your leg over so your foot rotates. Therefore in order to use a mounting block you would approach it facing towards the horses bum.Agree with this. Quite often I will mount from the offside as I think it's a useful thing for a horse and rider to be able to do.
Maybe I am old school but I was taught to mount with my left foot in the stirrup facing towards the horses bum and then as you swing your leg over so your foot rotates. Therefore in order to use a mounting block you would approach it facing towards the horses bum.
There probably isn't a right way or a wrong way.
Cheap and cheerful wooden steps from Ikea that you can varnish to make more rain proof
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40178888/
I second the ikea one ! cheap as chips n fab !
Maybe I am old school but I was taught to mount with my left foot in the stirrup facing towards the horses bum and then as you swing your leg over so your foot rotates. Therefore in order to use a mounting block you would approach it facing towards the horses bum.
There probably isn't a right way or a wrong way but a quick google search tells me you are correct to stand parallel to the horse and face his tail which is what I was taught (BHS). Apparently, in the olden days people would mount from the left side because their sword was carried on their left side and it didn't interfere with being caught up when they mounted.
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