How to Mount a Horse: Free Horseback Riding Lessons

Series Summary

Humans have lived and worked with horses for a long time. Horses have carried us into battle, fierce and unafraid of swords and spears. They’ve pulled our farmers’ plows and carried our loads. We built level roads for them to travel on. They’ve helped us see the world and cover long distances in short periods of time. They’ve been essential in herding and driving our cattle. The cops still use them for crowd control situations in the city’s streets. No doubt, horses have proven to be suited to human life, expressing qualities of loyalty and bravery, responding to commands, and usually having a calm, docile demeanor.

Since they are wild by nature, all horses need some sort of training before they can work side by side with humans. Especially in horseback riding, the relationship between horse and rider must be carefully cultivated over time, and with the proper techniques and equipment. In these free horseback riding lessons on video, learn how to ride with Western-style equitation, which refers to the position and posture of the rider. This series has guidelines for proper Western horse riding form in walking, jogging, and other gaits. Our expert also includes some practical tips and techniques for beginners, such as how to mount a horse and how to move with the horse when riding.

Pay special attention to the video clip on horse gaits. Gaits are the different ways that a horse can walk or run; and each gait is specific to the task that the rider has for her horse. Some riders practice transitioning from gait to gait, as well as the equitation forms, for horse shows and competitions, where prizes can range from cash to acclaim.

Video Transcript

" My name is Sarah Stetner; I'm an expert horse rider on behalf of Expert Village. I am showing you how to mount a horse today. Lets get up on the horse and other words. So what I'm going to do first put the reins up. Get ready to get on. Check his bit. Check his tact make sure that everything is good. Most importantly is to make sure his saddle is tight. You don't the saddle to loosen off or fallen off. The proper way to get up on a horse hold the reins at all times. You are going to put your foot up on the stirrup right here. Get up grab on to the horn with this hand up here your left foot. One two three get up. That is the proper way to do it. A lot of people who are just beginning will get up in a improper way which would start from back here. Let go of the rein thinking that it is easier to start back here. It is putting your foot in but the back part is that your are standing right here by the back foot if the horse kicks out he is going to kick you. If you are like right here. This is your danger area by the flank. So you don't want to do that and you are swinging up from the back not the front which is uncomfortable more uncomfortable for the horse. So once again a show you the proper way to do it. Grab your reins. Hold on to them, put your foot in the stirrup, you are going to stand up here by the shoulder. You are right here you just bring yourself up with the horn. Try not to kick the horse when you are doing that little turn because the horse would move if you kick him in the side with your toes. So you try to keep your toe out of it. So this is how you get up on a horse."