If you've got a good old horse that’s been there and done that, you can read past all the training lingo here and just enjoy your horse.

On the other hand, if you’ve begun to notice your horse has a few problems, maybe not even related to mounting, this article can help immensely. Most issues are often fixed by fixing the fundamentals. And one big fundamental issue is mounting and dismounting. Or put differently, standing still.

The common dismount is done by stepping down, walking to the front of the horse, and petting his neck. Then you lead him on to some other destination.

The better dismount is to step down, not walk to the front, and not walk off to another destination. Not yet. Instead, walk to the back and hang out by the tail, grooming and bonding with the most neglected parts of the horse.

This type of dismounting exercise encourages more trust, more bonding, and more patience. The other type is just plain old riding stuff that only works with horses that don’t care about anything. To get better, you have to think better. And the more time you spend bonding with the horse in vulnerable positions, like at the tail, the better everything else gets too.

Here are a couple of other dismounting tips besides going back to the tail instead of forward. These ones are separate concepts but uniquely important.

When dismounting, be fast for safety. Many people get injured by getting off too slowly. If the horse spooks, your balance is especially vulnerable halfway on or off.

Train your horse for slow, unable people. It’s also useful to take time to train for slow, awkward mounting and dismounting in case your horse needs to carry an older, disabled, or super novice person. Getting off fast is important, but training for the day you can’t is useful too.

Do it often. Meaning, dismount often. There’s no need to cause a mess when getting off will get the same results. No need to stay on and buck it out or wrestle with opening that gate, when getting off will keep the emotions neutral, strengthen the bond, and keep everyone safe and growing together.

One last note: getting on and off is good for the horse and his back. There are better techniques and worse ones. Mounting blocks are nice, but mounting without one won’t injure most horses and can actually help them strengthen their back muscles.

That’s a lot to digest in one sitting, so thanks for reading, and I hope you share it with your friends.

Blessings to you lovely horse people,

​Don Jessop