Make sure the extra reins, known as the bight, are arranged along the shoulder of the horse neatly, to avoid the possibility of getting caught in the stirrup. Be sure to take up the slack of the off-side rein. While facing slightly towards the rear of the horse, hold both reins in your left hand just above the withers. Bring the reins over the horseвЂ™s head and onto its neck. Before you do, however, check the girth to see that it is secure and tight. With the horse in a cleared area, you are ready to mount. By pulling harder on the left rein than the right, the horse will circle around you instead of walking away. If the horse should move while mounting, pull sharply on the reins with your left hand. This is accomplished by maintaining light control on the horseвЂ™s head through the reins. Your horse should be trained to stand perfectly still and quiet while you mount. Do not mount near fences, trees or overhanging projections. While you are mounted in the barn, you could be seriously injured. If the horse suddenly rears or bolts for the door Never mount in the barn aisle or in the stall. Maintain a slack, but firm hand on the reins even while leading. If the reins are split, lead with the rein on the near (left) side and rest the off-side rein on the horseвЂ™s neck. Walk the horse out of the barn with the reins pulled over its head. With your horse properly and safely tacked, you are ready to mount, provided you have checked the girth at least twice for tightness. Karyn Malinowski, Ph.D., Extension Specialist in Horse Management & Dawn M. It is a reminder to the rider of the safetyВ precautions that should be taken while mounting, dismounting, and riding. This is a sheet about safety in handling horses.

Deprecated horse summoning (mount)