Relaxation at the mounting block.
At Pearson Equine LLC we always train our horses to be easy for riders to mount and dismount. Occasionally when starting horses under saddle we will often utilize the mounting block to mount our horses. However not every horse is ready for it and we want to be sure that our horse is well prepared for each experience, because each experience we give our horse it can add pressure to the horse until it has developed an understanding for what we are teaching them.
A horse that stands quietly to be mounted and dismounted is a safe horse. Safety is so important when mounting because the last thing we want is our horse to walk off on us until we have cued them to do so. We need to establish a proper seat, we need a little time for the horse and rider to relax before riding off too. Now your probably wondering how do we get our horses to stand patiently to be mounted from the mounting block?
For starters the horse needs to understand the release of pressure. Once the horse has the release of pressure down, it needs to develop an understanding that the release of pressure happens in various locations during the training session. Not just allowing the horse to rest and relax on its own, but where we ask them. This could be when we draw them into us, or it could be out on the long line, again not just by the gate when were getting ready to be done, but in various locations. Now that you have established the release of pressure and that the horse understands the concept, lets add the mounting block.
To begin it may be easiest for you to put the mounting block approximately three feet from the arena rail, this will allow you to utilize the arena rail to help keep your horse from veering off to the side. This will allow you to easily control your horse from walking off forward with the reins in your hand. If your horse tries to go backwards you simply get behind the horses from shoulder and drive them forward to the desired position. What is the desired position for the mounting block?
We like the horse to be positioned so that the stirrup is to the front side of the mounting block, this allows the rider to easily maintain balance while standing. This position also keeps the rider safe because we are already behind the horses front shoulder. If the horse were to move it will naturally want to move forward and we can simply counteract this movement with our reins to prevent the horse from walking off.
Your also going to want your horse to be positioned square to the mounting block so that once you have mounted them and cue them forward that they don’t trip over it. Often times if a horse trips is to trip over it they can get scared, spook, and sometimes offer a buck out of fear. So when we bring our horses to the mounting block we always make sure to keep them a few inches away and not crowd them too close, yet no farther away so that we have to reach out off the mounting block. This ensures that we can easily maintain good balance.
Wait your first try or two didn’t go well? That’s ok! If your horse gets excited and impatient to stand at the mounting block simply drive them forward and put them to work moving their feet. We don’t want to ever use disciplinary actions or frustration to help our horse find patience at the mounting block, we simply want them to move their feet. Once we have seen the horse settle into the exercise, allow them to rest but this time only allow them to rest and relax while standing at the mounting block. Repeat this exercise until your horse stands patiently.
Remember that every horse is different and not every horse accepts the mounting block underneath them easily. Further training or extended time may be required to help you or your horse understand this process. Some horses may struggle with the concept and others may have developed a strong habit of walking off with the rider, but remember it is up to us as horse owners to fix it! If you find yourself needing help with your horse be sure to contact levi@pearsonequine.com to set up an appointment today.
