How To Mount Your Horse In An Equitation Medal Test

EQUESTRIAN COACH TUESDAY TIP

This week, I answered a member's question for EquestrianCoach.com's Tuesday Tip, which was published on their website and shared on our Facebook page.  

Rene asked the following question:

What is the correct way to mount a horse, especially if it is asked as a medal test?

My answer:

Here is the correct way to mount your horse in an equitation class/test:

Check your girth. Gather the reins and your stick in the left hand. The bight of the reins should be on the left as well. Place your foot in the iron with your toe on the girth. With your left hand on the mane, grab the back of the saddle (cantle) with your right hand and pull yourself up. Ideally, you should find the right stirrup before you sink lightly into the saddle. Make sure your horse stands still. Adjust your reins, shift your stick and bight of the reins to the off side (right).

To dismount, put the reins and stick in left hand. Shift the bight of reins to near side (left). Either take both feet out of stirrups (safer) and dismount on near side, or take right foot out, step over to left side, then remove foot from the left stirrup and slide down.

It's acceptable to lengthen your stirrup, if necessary, to make it easier to mount. Then you would readjust the stirrup leather once mounted.

Please feel free to ask any follow-up questions!

Until next time!

Julie