Saddle Up with a Grin: The Left-Side Entry to Your Equine Friend!
If you’re a horse rider, you know the feeling of excitement and anticipation when it’s time to mount up and hit the trails. But did you know that the way you mount your horse can affect both your horse’s comfort and your own safety? The left-side entry move is a happy and safe way to saddle up with a grin!
Traditionally, riders mount their horses from the horse’s left side, swinging their right leg over the horse’s back. However, this can put stress on your horse’s spine and cause discomfort, especially if your horse has any back issues. The left-side entry move, where you mount from the left side by crossing your right leg over the horse’s neck, is a gentler way to mount up.
Not only is the left-side entry move better for your horse’s comfort, but it also has safety benefits for you as a rider. By mounting from the left side with your right leg over the horse’s neck, you have a clear view of your horse’s head and can more easily control your horse’s movements during mounting and dismounting.
A Happy Way to Mount Your Horse: Learn the Left-Side Entry Move!
If you’re ready to try the left-side entry move with your horse, here’s how to do it:
- Stand next to your horse’s left shoulder and hold the reins in your left hand.
- Facing your horse’s head, place your left foot in the stirrup and swing your right leg over the horse’s neck.
- Sitting on the horse’s neck, slide your right leg behind you and into the stirrup on the right side of the saddle.
- Lift yourself up and swing your right leg over the horse’s back, settling into the saddle.
Remember to always be gentle and patient with your horse during mounting and dismounting. Practice the left-side entry move with your horse until both of you feel comfortable and confident.
Now that you know the left-side entry move, you can saddle up with a grin and hit the trails with your equine friend!