I am wanting to do some trail riding with my horse. The problem is, there is the need to open and shut gates to get off the property, and they are not easy to do from horse.back. My horse is tall-ish at 16.3 hands and I cannot mount from the ground. I remember seeing once upon a time something that was called a stirrup extender, that gave some extra length to the leather to help with mounting from the ground. Even if I put my leathers at the first hole, the stirrup is still too high for me to mount from the ground. I have not had any luck in trying to locate these extenders-- or something similar-- now that I would like to buy. Did I imagine these or do they exist? If they do exist, can someone recommend what works best?
If you’re thinking about this https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/tough1-stirrup-mounting-aid-19991?utm_source=cpc&utm_medium=google&utm_content=shopping&utm_campaign=nb_shopping_catch_all&utm_term=Shopping%20-%20Catch-All&gclid=CjwKCAiA9K3gBRA4EiwACEhFe_OyvNGlvCmZWD3rxTUd6DG2kvUTtKu2BdZ0f5FCLQ1SQJBFO0hm-RoC0-0QAvD_BwE you are funtionally turning your stirrup leathers into a “boarding ladder” and that will over time cause an issue for your horse unless you routinely and faithfully alter mounting from the on and off side.
I use one of these https://www.sstack.com/Stable_Barn-Supplies_Handy-Tools/Easy-Mount-Step-Stool/?gclid=CjwKCAiA9K3gBRA4EiwACEhFexOlxirL2euJNo-eAZQFbtCwUe9Iwqi6gYNQ25-37xlsG3pqNdVvbBoChfcQAvD_BwE and it works pretty well. It allows me to mount correctly (pushing myself up, not pulling myself up) and it has lanyard on it that allows me to pull it up and I make a pouch to carry in on the saddle.
Due to a physical limitation I can no longer safely mount from the off side unless I’ve got a REALLY tall mounting block. The folding stool is just right.
G.
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Is it your own property? (Or one that would let you do this?) I would place something semi-permanently like a mounting block, stump, bench, or large rock on either side of the gate to use for mounting if there’s nothing around to use. Sometimes there are natural objects that can help - a hillside if you stand uphill from the horse, or I often used the fence at one barn although that really only works with a wooden fence. That particular farm had a ton of gates, as we had to ride through the various large pastures to get to the other trails. Out of necessity I ended up getting really good at opening and closing them while mounted, even the saggy ones.
If that’s not an option and you have to carry something with you, G’s stool looks like a possibility.
that is brilliant. Also if you get off to graze you can sit on it and eat your lunch! How heavy is it and how much do you notice it while you ride? I suppose with a western saddle you can carry just about anything!
I also think the best idea for a regular route is to get some tree stumps and put them close to the fence, if you are allowed.
I made a simple, leather “bucket” that straps to the off side, front of the saddle. It’s very light weight. I carry it on my Stubben Scout with no difficulty. It takes a couple of times (a ground assistant is a good idea the first couple) for the horse to get the idea that the thing dragging up from the ground is not a hazard. The lanyard is made of suede lace as that will easily break if there is ever a “mishap” while pulling up the stool.
The idea of putting an nice piece of tree stump by a gate (maybe one on each side) is also a good idea.
G.
I bought the Stirrup Extender for the same reason. Getting back on during a trail ride.
My problem with it was it was so long I couldn’t reach the saddle.
Ended up giving it away free.
Here is a different idea someone turned me onto. I bought one, but have yet to use it. It’s called a solo ride, you can put it on to get on, take it off and put it in it’s own bag afterwards.
Isn’t that the thing that loops around the horses elbow on the other side? I really don’t see putting all my weight there and not causing problems.
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Well, it works for the people in the video (see on the site). I guess if you’re really heavy it might not be so great, but it’s just for a few seconds, until you get your left foot in the actual stirrup. I got it in case I need to remount on the trail.
These have been around for centuries; https://www.hrsaddlery.com/extending-stirrup-leathers/
https://www.ploughmansbelts.com/prod…rrup-leathers/
I think Shires do some the same.
Much cheaper;
https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/EZ_Mount_Stirrup_Extender_-_Western/descpage-TEZMSEW.html
These types of devices seem to be fine as they don’t create a “boarding ladder” and, in fact, allow the rider to more effectively push them selves up.
I’d have to see more of the “around the leg” device before I’d say any more than it appears to be another way to create a “boarding ladder” and that is what I think we should avoid.
G.
Thanks, all, for the information. So, there are lots of different kinds of options. I am going to read through all of these and think about what will work well with me and my horse. I will report back! As for putting tree stumps near the gates-- not allowed-- as these are public rights of way, and there are strict rules about keeping the paths clear, etc.
The only potential problem with things that hang below the stirrup level is that some people put their foot in facing the side of the horse. What happens is that they lift off the ground, their foot disappears under the horse’s belly and they end up flat on their back on the floor.
Maybe you are thinking f the EZ Mount Stirrup extender?
Here is the link: https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/EZ_Mount_Stirrup_Extender_-_English/descpage-TEZMSEE.html
