Positioning of Semi-permanent Mounting Block

[c0608524]

@sascha

But that was the point - you shouldn’t need to walk around to the bottom step if the steps are properly aligned to the horse.

…. Yes, agreed. And because I expect my horse to stand when I’m on the mounting block, and not walk along side me (because, again, when I am on the mounting block she isn’t allowed to move), I find it easier for the steps to be at the head end when using an oversized mounting block.

I guess I could work on teaching her it’s ok to walk forward when I’m on the first or second step, and to stop at the third… but I’m not sure she’s all that great at counting so it’s just better she knows that rider on the mounting block = planted feet

Regardless, I don’t really think you and I are going to see eye to eye on this. Either I’m not doing a very good job describing my mild annoyance of a massive mounting block, or you think I am not “putting sufficient time and effort into instilling these safety lessons because they’re not nearly as fun or rewarding as actually riding”, and no amount of back and forth is going to change your mind.

[sascha]

@c0608524

I guess I could work on teaching her it’s ok to walk forward when I’m on the first or second step, and to stop at the third… but I’m not sure she’s all that great at counting so it’s just better she knows that rider on the mounting block = planted feet

This is the issue right here. You’ve used the mounting block as an aid that gives a cue, rather than fully installing a verbal (or hand signal) cue for whoa, stand, don’t move a muscle.

Standing at a mounting block has nothing to do with a mounting block other than it being just one more place where they must listen to your aids.

[endlessclimb]

I used to use an actual staircase to mount. The staircase led to the hayloft and didn’t have railings.

I prefer to have the horse know to stand whenever and wherever I say stand. Who knows wtf I’ll be using if I have to get off on the trail.

[RedHorses]

@sascha

This is the issue right here. You’ve used the mounting block as an aid that gives a cue, rather than fully installing a verbal (or hand signal) cue for whoa, stand, don’t move a muscle

The two cues you describe are not mutually exclusive.

[Ajierene]

@endlessclimb

I used to use an actual staircase to mount. The staircase led to the hayloft and didn’t have railings.

I was thinking about this thread for two reasons -

1-I usually walk up the mounting block and my mare walks next to me, stop when I am at top step, do my last minute fussing, then get on. Well, young gelding is used to walking behind me because his owner generally prefers it. Personally, I don’t care, except it means he stopped at the bottom step of the mounting block and stood there. I got to the top step turned around and he’s like “Oh, Hi, got something infront of me, can’t move…” I had to direct him around. He then stood like the perfect little pony he is until I was well settled, at which time he apparently started day dreaming and took him a minute to realize I was asking him to walk off.

2- I then went to get on my horse. We are going on a hack and the arena with the proper mounting block is SO FAR. So we used the log…which is on another log near a pile. I lead her to one side, walk around the end of the log, step on the old pallet, then the log, then get on my mare who is standing either over the log on the ground or a bit far away to avoid it.

My mare also moves as soon as she’s decided I’m on enough…which I know is just HORRIBLE trainning! Who told my horse that is out of a mare I owned, that I have been the only rider/trainer of that this is ok!?! WHO DID IT!!

[RhythmNCruise]

I love this forum, LOL.

I went with the wide part parallel to the horse (steps of mounting block perpendicular to him). It works great. I’ve also mastered getting off onto it. He practically docks himself at it after the ride and waits for me to disembark, LOL.

[Bluey]

While you are young and nimble, teaching yourself and horse to get on and off from both sides helps if you some day may have to do that.
If you can, set the mounting steps where you can practice from either side.

[RhythmNCruise]

@Bluey

While you are young and nimble

Too late for that, LOL!