26/05/2025
𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗨𝗥 𝗕𝗜𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗦
𝗜𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧?
When it comes to mounting horses, most of us understand the importance of using a mounting block to reduce strain on our horse’s back. But have you ever considered whether your mounting block is the right height? It's a detail that’s often overlooked but could make a big difference to your horse's comfort and overall wellbeing.
Russell MacKechnie-Guire highlights the significance of choosing the right mounting block height. “Mounting from the ground is a skill that riders should have but not necessarily reinforce regularly,” he says. “It’s important to be able to get on from the ground in case of an emergency, but you don’t need to practice it daily. In those situations where you fall off or need to dismount to open a gate, it’s better to walk your horse to a log or another safe object to help you get back on.”
Using a mounting block should be the norm, and the height of the block matters more than you might think. “The higher the block, the better,” explains Russell. “The ideal height means you can step onto the horse with minimal effort, which reduces the pressure on the saddle and avoids unnecessary strain on the horse’s back.” When mouting pressures are highest on the right side of the wither, and along the soft tissue close to the right side of the spinal processes.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿?
Studies show that mounting from the ground places more pressure on the right side of the horse’s back as the rider mounts. The saddle is often pulled against the horse’s wither on the opposite side, increasing strain. When you use a higher mounting block, the time spent with your left foot in the stirrup is reduced significantly, which lowers the pressures on the saddle and allows for a smoother transition onto the horse, “The longer you take to mount, the more pressure you’re putting on the horse.”
To ensure your mounting block is doing its job, Russell suggests testing how long your stirrup is under load during mounting. “If you can reduce the time you’re applying pressure to the saddle by using a higher block, that’s ideal,” he explains.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Interestingly, your own fitness level can impact the amount of strain placed on the saddle and the horse during mounting. "Riders who are fit and athletic tend to have the ability to bounce, and propel themselves up onto the horse, whereas less fit riders may rely on pulling the horse towards them to get on," says Russell. This difference can lead to varied saddle pressures, depending on the rider's physical ability.
Even though mounting might only happen once a day, the pressure on the saddle is substantial. “The pressure is greater than that experienced by a horse landing over a 1.30m jump,” Russell points out. This repeated pressure could contribute (appreciateing there are multiple factors) to why some horses are unsettled or step forward when being mounted.
𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸
While a lower block might be easier to move and store, it’s essential to consider whether it’s the right size for your horse. “Efficiency is important, but so is ensuring that your mounting block is the correct height to reduce strain,” Russell advises.
Historically, older estates had large mounting blocks built to help people in dresses mount with ease, especially ladies riding side-saddle, and this larger size wasn’t just for style — it was designed to make mounting easier and more comfortable for the horse.
𝗟𝗲𝗴-𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Another alternative to using a mounting block is receiving a leg-up. However, Russell cautions that the method of leg-ups is important. “If you propel someone too much, they might come down too quickly and end up landing heavily on the horse’s back,” he says. “Make sure the person is able to gently lower themselves into the saddle to avoid adding extra pressure.”
In some cases, mounting from the opposite side can also be beneficial to the horse’s balance and comfort, as it helps avoid repeating the same loading on one side.
By paying attention to these details, riders can reduce the risk of causing unnecessary strain on their horse’s back and make the mounting process safer for both horse and rider.
