Teaching the Horse to Stand at the Mounting Block
As horse owners, one of the most important things we can teach our horses is to stand still at the mounting block. It may seem like a trivial thing, but it’s actually a crucial element of any ride.
If your horse is fidgety or nervous at the mounting block, it can be difficult to get on and off safely. In this article, we’ll take a look at some simple exercises that can help desensitize your horse to the mounting block, as well as some tips for reinforcing good behavior.
Desensitizing Your Horse With the Mounting Block
Horses are flight animals, which means they’re naturally skittish and easily spooked. When a horse sees something unfamiliar, like a mounting block, it’s natural for them to be cautious or even afraid.
The key to desensitizing your horse is to introduce them to the object slowly and calmly, in a controlled environment. Before you start working with your horse and the mounting block, make sure the area is clear and quiet.
Horses can become agitated when they feel crowded or uncomfortable, so give them plenty of space to move around. If you’re working with a young or inexperienced horse, consider using a rope halter and lead rope so you can maintain control if necessary.
Start by simply leading your horse up to the mounting block and standing there for a minute or so. Let your horse sniff the block and move around it if they want to, but don’t force them to stand still.
If your horse is nervous or agitated, you can use a lunge whip to guide them around the block and help them get used to it. Exercises for
Desensitizing Your Horse With the Mounting Block
Once your horse is comfortable standing near the mounting block, you can start adding some simple exercises to help them get comfortable actually standing on it.
Begin by standing on the block yourself, with your horse standing next to you. Hold onto the reins loosely and use a lunge whip to guide your horse’s hind-end around the block, so they end up standing parallel to you.
Next, ask your horse to step up onto the block with their front legs, while keeping their hind-end facing you. You may need to use the lunge whip to encourage them to move forward, but be patient and move slowly.
Once your horse is standing comfortably with their front legs on the block, ask them to step off again and repeat the exercise a few times.
Get Your Horse to Move Around the Block As You Stand On It
As your horse becomes more comfortable standing on the mounting block, you can start adding some more advanced exercises. One great exercise is to get your horse to move around the block as you stand on it.
Hold onto the reins loosely and use a lunge whip to guide your horse’s hind-end around the block in a circle, while you maintain your position on top of the block.
Teach Your Horse that Walking Away From the Mounting Block Means Work
One of the biggest challenges in teaching your horse to stand still at the mounting block is getting them to understand that it’s important. One effective way to reinforce good behavior is to teach your horse that walking away from the mounting block means work.
Whenever your horse tries to walk away before you’re ready to mount up, use a verbal correction and ask them to move in a circle or work at a trot for a few minutes. Mount up; Check Yourself and Your Position as You Get On
When you’re ready to mount up, it’s important to check yourself and your position before you get on.
Make sure your heel is down and your leg is in the correct position, and adjust your saddle and reins as necessary. Remember, a well-fitted saddle is key to keeping your horse comfortable and preventing long-term injuries.
Teach Your Horse that Walking Away As Soon as You Sit in the Saddle Means Work
Finally, it’s important to reinforce good behavior even after you’ve mounted up. As soon as you sit in the saddle, ask your horse to stand still for a few seconds.
If they try to walk away, use a gentle rein correction and ask them to move in a circle or work at a trot. Remember, the goal is to teach your horse that standing still at the mounting block is important and necessary for safe, comfortable rides.
Importance of Repetition and Reward in Training a Horse
As with any training regimen, repetition and reward are key elements of success. Horses are creatures of habit, and the more you repeat good behavior, the more likely it is to become ingrained in their habits.
When teaching your horse to stand still at the mounting block, it’s important to have regular training sessions, especially in the beginning when your horse is still learning. During each training session, be sure to reward your horse for good behavior.
This can be something as simple as a pat on the neck or a verbal “good job.” Horses respond well to positive reinforcement, so be sure to reward good behavior every chance you get.
Always Remember to Reward Your Horse
In conclusion, teaching your horse to stand still at the mounting block is an essential part of any riding routine. By desensitizing your horse to the block and reinforcing good behavior, you can create a safe and comfortable experience for both you and your horse.
Remember to have regular training sessions, use positive reinforcement, and always be patient and calm with your horse. With a little time and effort, your horse will be a pro at standing still at the mounting block in no time.
In conclusion, teaching a horse to stand still at the mounting block is a crucial aspect of riding that requires patience, consistency, repetition, and positive reinforcement. Desensitizing your horse to the block, reinforcing good behavior, and practicing regularly will help create a safe and comfortable experience for both the rider and the horse.
Remember to check your position, reward good behavior, and teach your horse that walking away from the block means work. FAQs covering topics like horse size, rider mobility, and communication with the horse can provide helpful information for those interested in mounting and dismounting safely.