Riding
...mounting straight from the ground. The use of a mounting block makes it easier for individuals to mount the horse. (Especially if you are on the short side) This puts less strain on the stirrups when mounting. It also decreases the chances of the saddle slipping to one side. Mounting a horse should be done from the horse's left side. Facing the horse, the reins are held in the left hand and the left hand placed on the horn of the saddle. The reins should be held tight enough to prevent the horse from wandering off when you try to mount but not so tight that the horse starts to walk backwards. Then while turning to face the rear of the horse, take the stirrup in your right hand. Then turn it clockwise to allow you to gently place your left foot in it so that the ball of your foot rests on the bottom of the stirrup. An important thing to note is that while mounting you should be careful not to accidentally kick the horse with your left foot because this will be a sign to the horse to walk forward. With the reins still held in the left hand, place your left foot in the stirrup. The right hand should be placed over the back of the saddle or the cantle. Then jump up straightening the left leg as you swing the right leg over the back of the horse, remembering to move your right hand forward as you do so, and then gently sit into the saddle. Once mounted on the horse, turn the right stirrup clockwise to allow you to place your foot in it. Then, sit up and take hold of the right rein in your right hand. While on the horse, hold the reins tightly and make sure not to drop them, because if you do, then, the horse may take off running and you would not be able to stop it. This usually results in you falling off the horse and possibly getting hurt. In order to make the horse start walking forward, give it a small nudge with the hill of your foot. The harder you nudge with your foot, the faster the horse will go. If you want the horse to turn right, then give a small tug of the reins with your right hand. If you want the horse to turn left, then give a small tug on the reins with ...