Mounting issues
Does your horse refuse to stand still at the mounting block without somebody holding him? If so, you’re not alone. Our Facebook followers share their advice on what to do about a horse who won’t let you get on board…
PATIENCE
My girl wouldn’t stand at the mounting block in the school so I just kept bringing her up to the block, then leading her away. After doing that a few times, I took her to the block, stood on the step, then got down and led her away once she was standing quietly. Then I did it all again. Eventually, success! It takes patience but this approach worked for me. Yvonne Pember
BRIBERY
Practice and groundwork. I bribe my mare with food (she now bends her head and neck round to the right, ready for her treat), but she’s stationary so I’ll take it. Lynn Jarvis
WATCH VIDEOS
I used to have this problem, but then I did lots of groundwork and taught my horse that standing still was the easier option. There are some really helpful videos on YouTube with useful techniques. Aislinn Ball LOWER ENERGY
Break it down into stages. Will he approach the block? Will he stand at the block? My horse was odd as he’d only move as I got on. I stopped this by keeping my reins loose and dropping my energy. Andrew Stewart
BREAK THE CHAIN
You have to break the connection between you getting on and him moving. Make your horse stand for a minute after mounting before asking him to move. I did this with mine and now he stands still while I get my tracker on, gloves on, and wait for a break in traffic. Teresa Bollington
CLICKER TRAINING
Mine used to swing his bum out, but I clicker trained him so that he associates the mounting block with good things. I also got his back/saddle checked first to make sure that it wasn’t a pain thing. Amy Littlewood BACK UP
I back my horse up every time he steps forwards and reward standing immediately with a loose rein. He gets the idea r really quickly. He is cheeky, particularly if there's some yummy grass nearby or I’m going out with others, but doing this really works. You ou have to be consistent, though. Amie Sabatino
HOME TURF
My horse will stand at the mounting block and stop at it when we get back home, but it’s too big to transport anywhere and she broncs if you use anything else. I suppose it’s great entertainment for everyone at shows and endurance rides! Karen Robinson
TREATS
If it’s not a pain thing, then giving a treat at the block when your horse stands still may help. Simon MarshallJones CLICK AND REWARD
Clicker training worked wonders for my boy. I found it really easy and now it works every time. Katy Brown GROUNDWORK
I had this with one of my ex-racers, but lots of groundwork helped. I'm currently going through it all again with another ex-racer… Elizabeth Graney
BE FLEXIBLE
My horse refuses to stand the right way round at the block in the school — so now I just get on from the other side! Victoria Willmot