having trouble getting on horse.?

Question

Ok , I havent had a horse or been riding(other than 4 or 5 times)for over 32 years. and yes I'm heavier than I was at 16. Its like my legs wont push and lift me up. just a little boost and Im up and in the saddle fine. Ive tried a box to get on from but thats just not me. I've had to wait all these years to finaly get a horse again and Have 2 green broke horses both are doing real good just need alot of riding. any sugestions . Thanks

Answer 1

If it's any consolation, my bottom has lots more extra pounds too. And I finally broke down and bought a mounting block.



A recent University study (forgot which one) did electronic sensors on horses and concluded that the mounting block is better for them too.



So, you can always use that as an excuse.



The other thing that helps some is to practice on a sturdy fence or pipe gate. Just put your foot on the rail and lift straight up so your belly slides up like you'd be mounting. Then throw the leg over.



Sometimes everyday I do this over pipe panels instead of using gates. Helps a lot to strengthen for the saddle.



Still gonna use that block, tho.



When trail riding, I always find a slight hill to give me the advantage of a few inches to remount. My friend gave me one of those little collapsible foot stools that fits in a cantle bag if I can't find a hill.

Answer 2

This is no time to be proud...whaddia mean using a block is not you. I am in my sixties, and have ridden most of my life...of course when I was younger I too could hoist the leg up there and hop on, jump on what ever...now that i am more mature about things,(OK so it is my age not maturity) I find anything that I can to mount..I trail ride all over, and necessity is the mother of invention...a ditch to put the horse in and mount from the top of the ditch..a long, straddle the horse over the log and get up there...a picnic table, a tail gate, a boulder, stump, fence, friends back or hand...it has been done...lol...go for it get out there and ride who cares how you get on, except the horse and he will be very appreciative that you used something to help mount...have fun.

Answer 3

I have one trick/suggestion that gives you a little more propulsion.



1. stand at the horse's front shoulder, facing his rear.



2. grab the iron, and twist it toward you.



3. grab mane with your left hand, and put your left foot in the stirrup (http://www.newrider.com/Starting_Out/Getting_On/mounting3-250.jpg image on the first 3 steps).



4. finally, hop on your right foot and swing it straight in front of you and over the saddle.



This method gives you some more hmph in your mounting.



I would like to say that although I can get on a horse like that, I try not to do it a lot. I have found that it can stretch the leather on that side of the saddle. Plus it is more pleasant for you and the horse if you use a mounting block/step.



I am fortunate to ride at a place that has therapeutic riding. So there is a ramp and step combo mounting area that allows you to sit straight on the horse with just about no jumping up required. I have found that the pony I ride likes it a lot better when I get on that way...what horse wouldn't---1. human soars up on your back and plops all X weight on you hard, or 2. human daintily/slowly steps over and sits on your back. Also, I am only 5'3". So, depending on the size of the horse, it can be quite a chore to do that.



Don't let it get to you. I think it's part of the movement of the last 32 years---there is no shame in stepping on things to get onto the horse. Humans, horses, and stirrup leathers usually prefer it.



In the meantime, if it is really killing you, try the above, facing toward the rear method & swinging the leg forward, up and around. Good luck!

Answer 4

Oh jeez..I'm there with you!



I've gained alot of weight do to a possible spinal/head injury that the Dr.'s can't figure out.

Since the accident I put on over 40lbs. I cannot mount from the ground. I have to use a mounting block. I have a loss of strength in my knees due to two surgeries also.

My horse appreciates me using a block anyways.



When I go to trail rides, the block comes with me. If I have to dismount out on the trail I always have someone to give me a leg up. I see MANY women my age with a mounting block.



I've tried many deep knee bends/squats to help strengthen my knees and thighs but the knees are too messed up...it wont work for me. That is the only exercise I can think of.

Answer 5

Georgie, a mounting block is kinder on the back (yours AND the horses'), and there's no shame in it. I have permanent nerve damage in one leg, and have to use one on my bigger horse. It's just such a habit that I do on my low riders, too.



There are "e z mount stirrips" that I've seen, but never tried. They have a little extension that drops down for your foot.



Do some prep stretching before you ride, it does wonders. These work well for me, and they come from my physical therapist.



Old Fart's hurtler stretch: Sit on a the tailgate of the truck, or a picnic table. One leg on the ground, one across the tailgate or table. Lean down toward your toe.



Another: Lay on your back, knees bent. Cross one leg over the other, and stretch from the hip/abdomen area as you try to touch the toe of the crossed leg to the ground.



The more limber you are, the easier it is to make the leg swing over the saddle.

Answer 6

I have the same problem. Many moons ago dad pushed a perfect rock to climb up to mount the thoroughbreds that came to the ranch, we still use it to this day. I have no problem if they are 15 hands and under, any bigger i cant get my leg up...Use the block, or you can climb up the side of a pipe corral, but be careful i slipped and broke my tailbone March 22nd LOL and now my arm is broke (different incident) so i have to have someone saddle my horse up.

Answer 7

That was sooooo me not to long ago. I got back into the horses after the kids were delivered.! I was out for about 2yrs with my first son and about 2 yrs with my second son. I found my strong legs had turn to marshmellow.! But funny enough the more you practice the easier and stronger your legs become. I found that getting up and down for about 5 mins before each ride started to strengthen my legs once again. Not so hard anymore, but i still have my days.!

Answer 8

Two Words



Mounting block only...



oops that was 3 words



this will save your back and legs from strain and save the horses back also....no pulling the horse down to get on...



the horse will thank you



I hate to admit it, but ever since I broke my tib-fib, I had to buy one....and it sure does take the pressure off my right ankle,.



and I would not try swinging up on the horse, since you have not ridden in a long time, you may land on your posterior and then you will be wanting to sit on a pillow for awhile ha ha

could not resist that......



but the block is the best



good luck and have fun, and welcome back to riding...



enjoy

Answer 9

Tell me about it lol.

We have a stone mounting block which saves messing about with boxes etc. At a push I can get on my 17.2 from the ground but it's not a pretty sight.

Normally if I have to get off while we're out it ends in a search for a gate, stump or convenient rock.

I blame my dodgy knee for some of it - the rest, well at my age I'm not quite as elastic as I used to be.

Nothing wrong with a block anyway, it's recommended as it is actually better for the horse if you use one.

Answer 10

I know you say that a 'box is not you' however at the ranches I have worked at we require everyone no matter their size or experience (including wranglers) to mount using a block, it is much kinder to the horse's back. So before you dismiss the block idea, think about what you are doing to your horses especially if they are young and green. Put them first.

Also just as one point, when you do mount, please don't grab the saddle horn it puts so much pressure on your horse's withers.....instead grab the mane and the far side of the saddle for leverage. (Horses have no nerves in their hair roots unlike us.....jealous?)

Answer 11

I use a small boulder to mount with at my barn, I'll use any small slope or incline, or a tree stump, the fender on my horse trailer, stood on a tire to mount, anything that will give me elevation. I'd also rather the horse didn't take the pull on the saddle...(poss sore withers)...plus I think it's hard on them.

Just my opinion.



I was forced into finding alternatives after two major spinal surgeries.

Answer 12

Jessica D's answer is GREAT for proper mounting proceedure, HOWEVER when you reach a certain age, doing things properly can't always happen.



A little over a decade ago, I lost my favorite 16.2 hand AQHA gelding, (He was 25). Although I'd ridden many and various horses for decades, my body after basically crawling up on this old horse for 21 years, English, Western and with the use of the side of somebody's pipe stall, bareback.



Anyway, a few years after his death I found another horse I enjoyed riding that WASN'T 16.2 hands. He is this little Azteca who's only 15 hands. Where as I'd owned LOTS of other horses that weren't 16 hands thoughout the decades, having one I was riding for my own enjoyment was a different story. I couldn't get up on him from the ground and couldn't figure out WHY!



This horse is NOT one of those who will stand there patiently while you try and try to get your older, heavier, out of shape body up on his back. I felt REALLY dumb having to use a mounting block after all these years of NEVER using one.



Finally in a sheer act of desperation, we went to the roundpen and I "played around" with other various ways of getting up on my horse's back from the ground... I FINALLY figured it out! IF I stood back by my "little guy's" hip, I could build the momentum necessary to get up there on ONE SINGLE try! It had also been how I'd gotten up on my 16.2 hand QH thoughtout the later decades, just hadn't figured out that over the years, I'd had to adapt to my body changes and hadn't realized it. I do now still use a mounting block on an occassion, but it's now nice to know that I can mount from the ground, swiftly if so needed.



Best of luck with your youngsters.

Answer 13

I am right there with you! I have been trying to do lunges and squats and actually a little weight lifting too. I also try to get on my horse while she is bareback just to actually use the muscles that you do when you mount. But I have noticed th lunges and ballet pliea's help the most. Good luck!

Answer 14

USE a mounting block you can buy plastic stepup ones made just for that. You should always use a mounting block to get up on a horse even it you can easily reach because it screws up their back when you don't use one...i mean just think about it...its like someones twisting your back each time they climb into the saddle by heaving themselves up. its better for the horse and easier for you. i use one every time

Answer 15

Maybe if you just use the block for a while you will get the hang of it again and will be able to try without it?

Even decrease the size of the block if you have a few different things you can use as one and before you know it you won't need one at all.

Practice makes perfect.

Answer 16

Do you ride in jeans? Because i Try to mount from the gound in jeans and they just dont let you get your leg high enough.



If you do get your foot in, Use some upper body and pull your self on. and also try pushing off with the foot that still on the ground.

good luck!

Answer 17

i ride western and ALWAYS use a mounting block. if i try to get on the ground my horse shakes her head and and pins her ears, when i pull her up to the mounting block she stands there perfectly happy.

Answer 18

Well Just practice, I mean its been 32 years.

Answer 19

an e-z up. I've never tried it but it is an extra stirrup that hooks on to the saddle horn.

Answer 20

Get a mounting block or an easy-mount stirrup.

Answer 21

u need to strentch,

Not riding for so long will mean u need to loosen up.

Happy horsing.

Answer 22

practise