Calm mounting: Setting your horse (and yourself) up for success
If your horse isn’t standing calmly for mounting, it’s telling you something. A horse’s behavior during mounting reflects much about their training, welfare, and the relationship you share. Although mounting is often treated as a separate skill, I see it as deeply connected to overall communication, trust, training approach, and even the living conditions of the horse. In my work, I focus on understanding the root of each behavior before diving into problem-solving. Horses don’t fit into templates or patterns—no two have the same history and experience, so we can’t assume the same behavior means the same thing for every horse!
First, it’s important to rule out health issues. Consult a vet or physiotherapist to make sure your horse isn’t dealing with back pain, ulcers, or another physical condition that could make mounting uncomfortable. Check the fit of your tack, especially the saddle, as poor saddle fit can cause discomfort and resistance. Even a high-quality saddle won’t fit every horse, so if possible, consult a saddle fitter. Routine saddle checks are valuable and could be a good place to start.
If health and tack aren’t the problem, consider your horse’s overall welfare. Are their basic needs met? This includes access to forage, a diet suited to their temperament and workload, time spent on pasture, social interaction with other horses, a calm stable environment, and the opportunity for healthy rest. Unmet needs can lead to frustration, restlessness, and mounting difficulties.
Only after you’ve considered these factors is it time to examine mounting from a psychological perspective. Are your training demands appropriate for your horse’s skill level? Is training engaging and varied, or is it simply something to endure? Tailoring training to your goals, your horse’s abilities, and their unique personality is a key, nuanced challenge. For some horses, routine training can cause disengagement or even stress, while others need both physical and mental challenges to stay engaged. Getting to know your horse’s character can help you realize that what worked for one horse might not suit another.
Are you in a good relationship with your horse? Trust, focus, and the horse’s ability to relax around you, both in motion and while standing, are all key indicators. If mounting has become associated with tension or if the horse senses impatience, he may try to avoid it, even if he doesn’t mind the training itself.
Tips for Encouraging Calm Mounting
- Warm Up from the Ground: Before mounting, do a short ground warm-up. This lets you check in on your horse’s mood, energy level, and responsiveness that day.
- Create Positive Associations: Help your horse associate the mounting block with comfort. Create a calm, positive ritual around each step of mounting—from standing at the block and patiently waiting, to placing your foot in the stirrup, leaning over the saddle, and mounting fully. Positive reinforcement (like a treat, touch, or soothing voice) can work well for many horses, as can lowering energy and releasing pressure.
- Check for Balance at the Block: Before leaning over or mounting, make sure your horse is balanced at the block. Often, horses move when mounted because the added weight shifts their balance, causing an automatic step. Test the horse’s balance by gently rocking the saddle from side to side, allowing the horse to adjust their stance.
- Use Mounting Blocks: While ground mounting is a valuable skill for both horse and rider, a properly positioned mounting block is kinder to the horse’s back. The block should be high enough for you to smoothly sit in the saddle without needing to put weight in the stirrup.
- Take a Moment After Mounting: After you’re in the saddle, don’t rush off. I teach riders to pause, giving both horse and rider a moment to settle in and connect. Teach your horse to wait calmly and focus on you until you’re ready to ask for movement. If he steps off, you can stop him directly or by gently bending the neck, then reward his patience. Cultivating calm at the start of your ride can set the tone for better emotional control throughout.
In Summary
Don’t view fidgeting at the mounting block as disobedience. Look deeper to understand what might be affecting your horse. Perhaps there’s something new in his life you’re not aware of! Listen to your horse—he might have something important to share with you today.
Ola Najman
fot. Light Equitation
