Mounting using a mounting block question

Birker2020

Birker2020

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I know this is a weird question but.......if you have a mounting block with steps (like they all are) and you mount from the near side (as you do) would you position the steps so that the steps go from low to high in the direction of the horses bum, i.e. lead the horse to the steps from either the offside and walk in front of him or squeeze between him and the mounting block and THEN climb the steps towards his tail. Or would you lead him up to the mounting block and climb aboard as he goes up to it, and have the highest step at his head and the lowest at his tail and climb the steps facing his head and get on that way.:confused:

Someone at our yard keeps turning the mounting block the latter way and I find it really weird as I was always taught to mount with left leg in stirrup facing the horses tail, and as you swing your leg over his bum you rotate your left foot so you end up with it facing forward. This would mean you would climb the steps in ascending from head to tail.

But maybe I am wrong and they are right. :confused: Or is it just a matter of personal choice.

Of course its much easier if you just climb the damn things facing the horses side! But even then I would face his tail. :)

What do you think?? :)
 
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I am using an upturned bucket to mount on the drive as my mounting block is in the manege :(

I agree though lowest step at bum end for me.
 
Do they have a horse that's tetchy to get on? If I had a horse that was naughty to mount or wandered off (and was learning not to, ahem!) I'd put it with the lower steps at head end. Then if the horse tried to walk off / pull away - most likely forwards than backwards ;) - you're not stuck getting yanked forward without a step to get down with.
 
I would put it side ways and lead the horse so it is alongside the top step, I've never seen anyone do it differently I don't think! Doesn't really matter I guess, you're getting on from the top step either way!

I don't do that toe facing backwards and then turn thing, I don't understand why it would be better as there is more potential to jab horse with your toe, although I never mount from the ground really.
 
Lowest step to the bum, though I get on left or right depending on which in direction I happen to be having a conversation ... My mounting block caters for this as has steps on both ends
 
Pub style picnic table. We get on using the short side, so have steps either end. Alf is 17.1, and another horse on our yard is 18hh - and the picnic table is the perfect height for clambering aboard elephant size uns.

Never really thought about which direction steps face - height and stability are what I'm interested in!
 
I always have mine sideways on to the horse - I lead past the steps, usually then make final adjustments etc and then get in steps. But then I never use the "steps" part of the steps, just get straight on to the highest part ;)
 
I would expect steps to be lowest at bum end but have seen both. If your block gets turned round, why not mount from offside? This spreads the load evenly instead of always stepping on from one side. Also really useful to have a horse who accepts you climbing on from either side out hacking. It's suprising how many horses refuse to stand quietly if the block/gate/wall is on 'wrong' side unless they've been trained to it. Very annoying out hacking or hunting!
 
bluebellfreddy said:
I would put steps low end at bum and high end it head. So I don't have to do any manovours around the horse
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This^^


MissTyc said:
Lowest step to the bum, though I get on left or right depending on which in direction I happen to be having a conversation ... My mounting block caters for this as has steps on both ends
Click to expand...

I'm going to be building a mounting block soon, and that is a great idea, thanks :)
 
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