silly question

[All]

here is a silly question to think about

when we exercise a horse we will normally mirror the exercise on both sides
(eg canter circle on left rein we will normally do one on the right rein so to keep the muscles proportionate on both sides)

why is it then we always mount from the left ?

in the mediaeval times we mounted from the left because the cavalry carried swords on there left (and drew them with there right hand) we mounted on the left so the sword did not get in the way or hit the horse

 

[Sossigpoker]

You are correct about why we mount from the left. It's tradition going back to those times.

 

[Merry neddy man]

Probably a large proportion of riders mount from a block/steps etc. nowadays, so mounting from either side would be easy with a little practice, if not using a block and you was mounting on a highway you would be kerbside so safer from injury by passing traffic. I can remember stupidly mounting a saddle less pony by leapfrogging on from the rear.

 

[planete]

Tradition has a lot to answer for. It seems to trump common sense sometimes.

 

[rabatsa]

Sometimes tradition is common sense.

Ok sometimes tradition does not make sense too.

 

[Lamehorses]

Probably a large proportion of riders mount from a block/steps etc. nowadays, so mounting from either side would be easy with a little practice, if not using a block and you was mounting on a highway you would be kerbside so safer from injury by passing traffic. I can remember stupidly mounting a saddle less pony by leapfrogging on from the rear.

Ha ha, I have a very bad memory of leap frogging on - that you just reminded me of. 30 + years ago, luckily minor bruising, but I ended up some distance away from the horse & never tried it again ?

 

[Jellymoon]

It is bonkers isn’t it, and I keep meaning to practise getting on from the other side, but it feels so weird. There’s no reason other than tradition.