Article: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 as you do this and take hold of the rein with your right hand. When both feet are securely in the stirrups and you have the reins in both hands, sit into the saddle carefully and gradually. You are now ready to ride your horse! If you drop into the saddle quickly, you could startle the horse and they could jump or buck.
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Pick a safe spot to get onto your horse and check your tack. Use a mounting block if you need help getting on the horse. Stand to the left of your horse and grasp the reins with your left hand. Position your left foot in the left stirrup. Grab the saddle horn with your hand and pull yourself onto the saddle. Lower yourself slowly into the saddle.