February March 2013 - Page 15
W
hatever the level of experience with horses, be it a professional, a long time recreational and performance
rider, a trail rider or a beginner, at some time or other riders may have to mount their horse with the help of a
mounting block. Some people may think that using a mounting block is being lazy or taking `the easy option'
when getting on a horse. It isn't quite as easy as one might think and there are many reasons why this option should be
considered by a rider. One of the main and most important factors is safety, which is paramount for both horse and rider
at all times.
Mounting blocks are an excellent aid for both the horse and rider; perhaps the rider is not quite as young and sprightly as
they once were and have lost that `spring' and balance to get on from the ground; they may be recovering from an injury or
perhaps have lost their confidence and need to take things at their own pace and getting on needs to be done in a quiet and
timely manner. Maybe they don't like the thought of hauling themselves up on their horse's back and the discomfort that may
cause it whatever the reason, using a mounting block is a sensible option.
Regardless
of the mode
of mounting
- from a
mounting
block or from
the ground
- the girth
should be
checked prior
to putting a
foot in the
stirrup.
When choosing to use a mounting block as part of a riding
routine the rider is also choosing to avoid what can be
quite serious injury to the horse - both from a muscular
and/or skeletal point of view. Injury to the horse can
occur as the rider heaves themselves into the saddle and
momentarily twists the saddle on the horse's back.