Mounting, Dismounting and Safety Checks
Mounting
When mounting a horse you should always use a mounting block or a leg up. Doing otherwise could hurt the horses back, cause the saddle to move or you could accidently kick the horse.
When mounting a horse you should always use a mounting block or a leg up. Doing otherwise could hurt the horses back, cause the saddle to move or you could accidently kick the horse.
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Mounting Properly and Position - Start by standing on the left side of your horse facing the same way as he/she is on the centre line. Take the stirrup leather in either hand and use the other hand to measure the stirrup length. To get the correct length you need to place the base of the stirrup iron at the top of your armpit and the buckle on the stirrup leather should be at your fingertips. Check that the length is identical on the other side. After this put the reins over the horse’s head and gather them in your left hand on the top of the horse’s neck. Use the mounting block to become level with the stirrup then place your left foot in the open metal area with your toes facing towards the horse’s head. Push down with your left heel in the stirrup while you swing your right leg over the saddle and put your right foot into the other stirrup. When in the saddle you must make sure that the stirrup is lying on the ball of your foot and your heels are down. Your for leg should be beneath swell as your knees being bent.
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Dismounting
When dismounting a horse it should always take place on the centre line. Start by holding the reins in your left hand and resting it on the horse’s wither. Remove both feet from the stirrups, lean your upper body forward and swing your right leg over the horse’s rump being careful not to kick it as you could kick the flank and cause pain to your horse. Use your left knee to push off the saddle and land gently on the ground remembering to slightly bend your knees.
When dismounting a horse it should always take place on the centre line. Start by holding the reins in your left hand and resting it on the horse’s wither. Remove both feet from the stirrups, lean your upper body forward and swing your right leg over the horse’s rump being careful not to kick it as you could kick the flank and cause pain to your horse. Use your left knee to push off the saddle and land gently on the ground remembering to slightly bend your knees.
Basic safety checks
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Before mounting your horse, is is advised that you to go through this list to make sure your horse is comfortable and not in pain in order for you both to have an enjoyable experience. It is also advised as it ensures that everything is in the right place so that nothing is sticking into your horse causing an accident.
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Bridle Safety Checks -
1. Brow band – Check that it’s straight.
2. Cavesson – Check that it’s sitting straight and done up so you can fit two fingers’ width between the horses face and noseband.
3. Throat lash – Check that it’s done up and you can fit four fingers sideways between the horse’s check and the throat lash.
1. Brow band – Check that it’s straight.
2. Cavesson – Check that it’s sitting straight and done up so you can fit two fingers’ width between the horses face and noseband.
3. Throat lash – Check that it’s done up and you can fit four fingers sideways between the horse’s check and the throat lash.
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Saddle safety checks -
1. Saddle cloth – Check that it’s pulled up off the horse’s wither.
2. Stirrups – Check they are pulled down at the accurate length, ready for mounting.
3. Girth – Check it’s not twisted and is done up securely.
1. Saddle cloth – Check that it’s pulled up off the horse’s wither.
2. Stirrups – Check they are pulled down at the accurate length, ready for mounting.
3. Girth – Check it’s not twisted and is done up securely.