1 Pick a safe spot to get onto your horse and check your tack. Before you mount your horse, make sure they are in a place where they will not be spooked. Move them away from buildings, fences, people, other horses, or trees before you mount the horse. Double-check your tack to make sure everything is secure, particularly the girth. You can also make sure the stirrups are properly adjusted to fit your feet. 2 Use a mounting block if you need help getting onthe horse. Mounting blocks are miniature sets of stairs used to help a rider mount a horse. Put the block on the horse’s left side, and place the reins over the horse’s head. Climb the stairs to easily get on your horse. Mounting blocks also put less strain on the stirrups when you get on the horse, which decreases the chance of slipping. Mounting blocks also make your mount smooth, which in turn makes your horse less likely to spook. 3 Stand to the left of your horse and grasp the reins with your left hand. It is typical to mount a horse from the left side. Place the reins in your left hand so you can control the horse when you get in the saddle. The right side of the horse is known as the “off” side. 4 Position your left foot in the left stirrup. It is helpful to place the heel of your boot at the edge of the stirrup. Hold onto the saddle to steady yourself, if you need to. Your foot should be completely inside the stirrup. 5 Grab the saddle horn with your hand and pull yourself onto the saddle. Put your left hand on the saddle horn to help you get on the saddle. Then, jump up slightly to raise yourself onto your horse, and swing your right leg around the horse’s body. Place your right foot in the stirrup when you reach the other side. Move your right hand forward…
