Thanks
You folks are grand :) really. I thought I was just sooo out of shape, I am I guess, I mean I am not as fit as a 20 year old, darn it lol lol lol. It is good to hear that many of us have the same problem and I am not alone. I usually use a mounting block when I mount, I do realize the strain on his back, I am careful about that. So,as was stated when on the trails look for a downed log or incline where I can line him up accordingly. Thanks again, but I will try all suggestions, Jon you have helped alot, I will try your directions of facing his rear and springing up. I really think that is where a lot of my problem is, is in the springing. I just feel awkward. I rode bareback last evening in the arena for the first time ever. It was soooo wonderful what an uplifting experience. Of course we just walked around the arena but it was GREAT. Horses are so expressive, as I was standing on the mounting block doing my usual awkward movements when starting something new, he just turned his head and looked at me, like what the he-- are you going to do to me now. Well, I laughed so hard,I almost fell off, his expression was so funny, laughing as I am writing this ;). Had a ball, and I believe that is what it is all about.
Thanks again folks, appreciated your humor and concern.
Best,
lovesgeldings, Pat
Pat et al:
Just a couple of other random thoughts. My wife and I often train alone without a person on the ground to move ground poles or pick up jump rails when we knock them off; so I have no choice but to dismount and do it myself. The horse I'm training now is quite cute as he follows me around the arena as if inspecting my work. :)
My horses are all off the track thoroughbreds, so they tend to walk away from the block once they feel a human on their back. When mounting even using a block, I always tap the saddle to signal the horse I'm about to get on his back, I always face his rear to begin & swing lightly onto his back & into the deepest part of the saddle. As was suggested, I grab mane not the saddle for balance. Finally, I drop my feet out of the stirrups & take a few steps to be sure I am balanced and seated correctly, which is so important for the horse's health and well being, not to mention my riding skills. I then pickup the stirrups and begin warm-ups. Cheers - Jon
Oh, I see I did tell you folks before that I rode bareback, I guess I must be loosing it, or have lost it. lol lol lol lol. Ah, life is grand.
Best,
Pat, lovesgeldings
Hey, riding bareback gives us all a chance to truly feel how the horse moves..and what we sometimes block in his movement when saddled..the bracing in the stirrups is the worst and causes all kinds of problems...we should all sit on our pockets/breeches and get the heck out of the way! ! Amazing isn't it? Good on you too Jon..great mounting suggestions, you are a most compassionate and knowledgable OTTB horsemen! Jo
