Horse Question: Is getting on a horse without a mounting block really bad for them like people say?

Question

I heard that mounting a horse without a mounting block is bad because when you grab the mane and put your weight in the stirrupot twist the spine and over time it's horrrrrrrrible for the horse.Unless you can get on with out putting in weight in the stirrup(equivelent of mounting bareback) then it's bad. Isthat true.????

I read it in ahorse magaine and several people have confirmed it. It happens over time and the horse doesn't show pain each time.

Answer 1

While many riders subject their time in the saddle to microscopic examination, poring over every aspect of position and performance, one area of riding gets hardly a second thought: mounting. Riders rarely examine the technique they use to get from ground to saddle and their horses' responses to having to stand for it.

But is the way we make the journey up onto our horses' backs really that insignificant? Or does mounting, as reflexive as it may become with experience, have deeper implications than we realize? (Article continues below)

The Physics Of Mounting > The design of the equine body -- fairly long, with the feet close together -- makes horses longitudinally stable but laterally precarious. In other words, it's easier to pull a horse over sideways than to roll him end over end. And like a bicyclist, the horse balances best when in motion. Inevitably, mounting from the side throws the horse off balance to some degree. A light pull on the saddle causes the horse's weight to shift to his left legs, lightening his right side. To counteract the pull, he must raise his back on the left side. If the rider's toe digs into the horse's ribs, the resultant cringing to the right may complicate the horse's reactive mechanics still further. If enough weight is behind the torquing action, the horse could be forced to step toward the rider or to the right as the rider's weight pivots atop the saddle. The horse is reacting to the feeling that he's toppling over and adjusting his base of support to compensate. Additionally, by gathering up the reins, the mounting rider restricts the horse's natural rebalancing maneuvers: stepping forward and/or extending his head and neck or swinging them to the opposing side as a counterweight

During mounting, then, the saddle, as it torques toward the rider, presses against the spine (especially the withers) on the off side and digs into the muscles on the near side. The horse twists to the right, his right-side muscles sink to avoid the pressure from the panels, while those on the left side of the spine hump up as the horse attempts to support the weight of the mounting rider.

Mounting Made Easier

There are some methods, however, that help minimize pressure on the horse's back and make the process of mounting a more pleasant experience.

The Mounting Block: For the rider, a mounting block eliminates the stress of having to stretch for the stirrup and strain to pull up on the horse. For the horse, being mounted from a block, rock or rise of ground considerably reduces the amount of saddle torquing his back has to endure. If you have a quiet, reliable mount (and a sizeable mounting block), you can slip your right leg across the saddle and avoid the near stirrup altogether. Any movement on the horse's part, however, could leave you sitting on the ground, so it's safer to use the near stirrup even when mounting from a block. The mounting block needs to be sturdy, set on level ground and located in a roomy, uncluttered area. For those who generally ride alone and don't have the advantage of an assistant, it's certainly worth the effort to build or buy a block, as it can be a big improvement in ease and convenience over ground mounting.

Assisted Mounting: A well-executed "leg up" is one of the least stressful techniques for the horse. In it, the rider descends straight down and lands lightly with his weight evenly distributed, and the saddle is not wrenched against the spine and musculature. Coordinating the actions of the rider and person giving the assistance takes practice, but with the timing mastered, it's a quick, simple procedure. An assistant can reduce saddle torque by grasping the stirrup leather on the off side with his left hand while gripping the bridle cheekpiece with his right hand to steady and still the horse as the rider mounts.

Solo Ground Mounting: Putting physics to work for you rather than against you will take a lot of torment out of ground mounting. Standing close to your horse facing his rear puts you in the most advantageous position to spring, pivot and land lightly. When mounting a tall horse, lengthen the stirrup leather until your foot can reach the stirrup without straining and swing into the saddle from there; once on board, return the stirrup to its regular length. Out on the trail, a fence or fallen log can elevate your center of gravity and lower the energy cost of mounting. And even placing your horse in a slight depression can give you enough of a lift to make your ground mount graceful. And speaking of graceful, if you're very athletic and coordinated and you can get your horse used to it, you can just vault into the saddle with a flawless spring and gentle landing, bypassing the torquing stirrup pressure altogether.

Answer 2

Everything and I mean everything CAN cause problems with a horse however the chances are slim. The only time anyone uses a mounting block with our horses is if they are a hefty person and then this helps keep some of the weight off during mounting. I have rode for 34 years and can't remember ever using the mane to mount I put my foot in the stirrup and grab the sadddle horn and pull myself over. My kids have all been taught this as well. Back many years ago mounting blocks weren't used and the horses were fine. This is strictly something more for the riders comfort and what makes it easier for them.

Answer 3

I'm a 5 foot tall female (and not too young anymore). I found that if you check out almost any ground area, there's bound to be a small hill or dip. Place your horse in the lowest part of it, get your foot in the stirrup and hoist yourself up. I used a block all of the time untill a part on my bridle (chicago screw) fell out while I was out on the trails behind the stable where I keep my mare. I had to get off and play McGiver with my saddle by using a short leather tie just under the flap yet above the stirrup (there's two). I strung it through the holes where the screw had originally been. I figured I'd probably have to walk her back or find a stump untill I realised that she was actually on lower ground than I was, I've done this every where I ride from that point on. Look around, your probably going to have to get off at some point (like I did) You'll be surprised what you can think of in desperation ~ I was, but I'm so glad I did. Have fun and stay safe

Answer 4

Unless the person that is mounting the horse is heavy it really does not do any damage. If you were constantly on and off the horse throughout the day, every day then yes overtime it is possible it could cause harm the the animal. I have never used amounting block with my horse. (preference) I don't know why you would need to grab onto the horses mane, grabbing on the the front of the saddle is better for the horse.

Answer 5

Well no!!! As long as you mount gently and don't stand in the stirrup for an hour or keep the horse mounted or tacked for many hours, they will be fine! By the way, don't just pull on the mane. You should use the withers (little bump between shoulders on back) on the horse and the cantle(back of the saddle) to lift yourself up. Pulling hair can hurt and if you use the horn, it won't necessarily hurt the horse right then, but it can shift your saddle. Never use the horn to mount!
Edit: I noticed that many people are telling you to use the horn on the saddle. They couldn't be more wrong!!! You NEVER use the horn to lift your self up. It will shift the saddle and possibly shift your weight once mounted and that will hurt your horse over time!!!

Answer 6

I think it would be horrible for the horse if you hung on their side every time you went to get on. If the horse looks like it is in discomfort than maybe you should use a mounting block (and check your saddle fit). I have never had a problem with mounting without a mounting block unless the horse has a sore back. I always get on my mustang and my 3-year-old arab/QH without a mounting block and they're fine. :)

Answer 7

The main purpose for a normal situation, is the fact that many people do not mount properly.... Since I am Arthritic, and ride numerous horses daily... I use a mounting block as often as I can.
( We seem to get numerous 16-2 hand horses in) The key is to move smoothly into the saddle...If you can't do that, use a block.

Answer 8

I don't think so. People think lots of things are bad for horses that aren't actually bad for them. Although, if you are pulling your horses mane to get on without a mounting block, I think that would be pretty uncomfortable for the horse. So maybe that's why people say its bad.
I have witnessed horsey people mounting without mounting blocks & putting their weight on the stirrup in the process, so I think this is just something that everyone has their own opinion about.

Answer 9

If this is true, then what happened to all of the horses before mounting blocks? If mounting a horse without a block is bad for their health, then all of today's horse breeds would have a hereditary deficient spine, and we'd be unable to ride them.

The most harm you could do to a horse while getting on him is pulling out his mane! And then if the horse somehow has scoliosis (curved spine), it's probably genetics or old age, and not from a saddle.

Answer 10

If you are putting your foot into the stirrup, why would you grab the horse's mane? Use the horn of the saddle. Getting on a horse should be a split second venture, so its not likely that you would be hanging on the side for any length of time. Hey vet, are you really a "vet" and do you work with "sevral" vets? Gawd, the spelling on here is horrible!

Answer 11

If it is done all the time, yes.

However, I don't know many riders who do it all the time as they don't ride everyday nor they don't get on the same each time.

Depending on my horse and if I am able to use another prop (fence, tail gate), I get on with the stirrups. However, I try to be easy on their back and balance as I can.

Their spine, back loin, hips and legs are constantly at risk for injury during the ride than getting on.

Therefore, a person should be more concern on how they ride than how they mount.