Are Mounting Blocks For Sissies?

Are you a sissy if you use a mounting block to mount your horse? Absolutely not. Mounting blocks (whether they be the specially designed type or just any handy object) can save a lot of wear and tear on the rider and the horse.

Dragging your tush into the saddle when you don't have sufficient leg and core body strength puts quite a bit of pressure on the horse's back. After a while you can create a sore-backed horse from poor mounting technique. It's also tough on you.

So, by all means use a mounting aid to get into the saddle. To be able to use a mounting block or any mounting aid, you'll want to work with your horse to teach him how to stand parallel to the aid and wait to be mounted. Since I'm a bit of a shrimp, I've become a master at this technique. My horse will "parallel park" in front of just about any object. Pretty darn handy.

But, you should, in an emergency, be able to get yourself into the saddle from the ground if you absolutely have to. Otherwise it can be an awfully long walk back. Check out How To Mount a Horse to learn proper mounting technique. And when you have to mount out on the trail, scout out a stump, fence, or that every-handy dip or low side of a hill to stand your horse on.

You'll can find more information about  mounting blocks on the Western Saddle Guide. And  check out the wide selection for sale at Amazon: mounting blocks