StepsStand on the horse's left side to mount. Try standing on a mounting block or other sturdy object in order to mount up more safely and not to put stress on the horses back
ALWAYS check your horse's girth or cinch just before mounting, no matter who saddled the horse. It should be very snug - two fingers should fit between the girth and the horse's side. Less is too tight, more is too loose. If it's too loose your weight could pull the saddle to one side when you mount, and the horse could be startled, but if it's too tight, some skin could get caught and it could be uncomfortable.
Take the reins in your left hand, making certain that one rein is on each side of your horse's head.
Positioning the reinsPlace your left hand on the the horse's mane, grabbing a handful of mane.
If this is your first time, or you feel uncertain, place your right hand towards the rear of the saddle. To avoid pulling your saddle sideways (which shouldn't happen if you tightened your girth correctly), consider putting your right hand on the pommel (the front of the saddle), and using your elbow on the cantle (the back of the saddle) for leverage.
Place your left foot into the stirrup. Bounce 3 times on the ball of your foot that is still on the mounting block, this will give you enough momentum to bounce and spring up into the saddle.
Foot in the stirrupSwing your right leg up and over the saddle, while stepping up with your left leg. It will feel similar to climbing a large stair. Try to land gently - don't just thump onto the horse's back!
Don't disregard this step
Up and over...You should now be seated in the saddle.
Not quite ready to go. The rider should center herself on the horse so as to achieve maximum balance.
[edit] TipsAfter saddling your horse, walk them around a little before you attempt to mount them, and then re-tighten the girth/cinch. Some stubborn horses will bloat [fill up their lungs with air] so that the girth/cinch will be loose. Walking the horse a little will force them to let the air out.
If you are inexperienced or your horse tends to walk off as soon as you put a foot in the stirrup, have another rider hold the horse's reins for you. This will help keep the horse still while you mount.
If your horse starts to move, give the command of "Whoa" in a deep, calm voice.
If the horse consistently evades being mounted, break down each step and praise the horse when they stand still. (start on the ground, then each step of the mounting block, touching the saddle, putting your foot in the stirrup, jumping up and finally getting all the way on) A well trained horse should stand for being mounted and wait for your command to walk off.
If you're short, consider using a mounting block or other sturdy object - buckets and crates are often not sturdy enough.
Have an experienced rider or instructor watching you if you are an inexperienced rider; never ride alone , have someone watch you and work on ground work in case you fall.
In order to keep the horse from turning around and biting you, if that is a problem for your horse, pull the reins over towards you so that there isn't enough slack on the other side for the horse to move it's head all the way over.
Be careful when mounting a frisky or green-broke horse, or a stallion. If this is the situation, you can always have another person with you to help
Always remember your equine common sense whenever handling a horse.
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