Re: [RC] Was B/C acc./now mounting on off side - Lori Bertolucci
I am just catching this thread about standing during mounting, so this may
have already been addressed...but another thing that you may wish to teach your
horse is to be mounted form the off side, and stand still for that also. I not
only mount from that side, but I also teach my horses to be saddled and to
accept everything that is done on the "correct" side to also be done on the off
side. Including leading.
There are times, especially if you are on a steep singletrack trail, that
you may have to get off your horse. Well if that side you have to get off on is
on the downhill side, believe you me, that is not the time to be wishing you had
taught this to your horse!
A very knowledgeable horseman said at one of
his clinics, "You would be = crazy to try and jump into a moving car, so
why in the world would = anyone attempt to mount a moving horse?" A horse
should stay in "park" = until you are ready to put him in
"drive".
I agree wholeheartly with the above regarding a moving
car/horse. If your horse is taught to stand for a mount, albeit to
mount from the fender of the trailer, a rock, picnic table (which is better
for the horse than trying to mount from ground level), you have control of
the situation.
This thread regarding accidents with reins, breast
collars, as well as bridles and the like boils down to being aware of what
your horse/mule is doing at all times not to mention training the animal to
respect you and your space. Also be aware of your surroundings, as
well as other riders in the area.
