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Listen "The HISTORY behind mounting your horse from the LEFT!!"
Episode Synopsis
🚀 Why Do We Mount Horses from the Left? | Horseback Riding Tips & History 🐴
Hey horse friends! 🐎 Have you ever wondered why we traditionally mount horses from the left side? In this video, I dive into the historical reasons behind this practice and why it originated with knights and military riders. But does tradition mean we have to stick to it? 🤔
I also share why I train my horses to mount and dismount from both sides, including practical reasons like preventing spinal imbalance and preparing for potential injuries. Plus, I explain the benefits of using a mounting block to protect both you and your horse.
👉 Watch now to learn:
✅ The history behind mounting from the left 🏇
✅ Why I believe in training horses to mount from both sides
✅ How using a mounting block benefits both rider & horse
✅ Why tradition doesn’t always mean it’s the best method
If you've spent any time around horseback riding, you've probably noticed that riders almost always mount from the left side. But have you ever wondered why this is the case? This long-standing equestrian tradition has its roots in military history, horseback riding safety, and practical considerations for knights and soldiers. However, in modern horseback riding, many trainers and riders are rethinking traditional mounting techniques to improve horseback riding balance, horse training effectiveness, and rider flexibility.
The History Behind Mounting from the Left Side
The practice of mounting from the left side dates back to medieval times when knights, cavalry soldiers, and horseback warriors carried their swords on their left hip. Since most people are right-handed, their swords were positioned on the left side to make it easier to draw them with their dominant hand. If they mounted from the right side, the sword could get in the way or even hit the horse. To avoid this, military riders always mounted from the left, and the tradition carried over into modern horseback riding, long after swords were no longer part of the equation.
Why Mounting from Both Sides Is Beneficial for Riders and Horses
While tradition plays a big role in horseback riding, it’s important to consider what's best for your horse's long-term health, balance, and training. Mounting from only one side can create muscle imbalances in horses, making them less adaptable and more resistant to handling on their weaker side. Training your horse to accept mounting and dismounting from both sides can:
✅ Prevent muscle imbalances and spinal strain – Mounting from the same side repeatedly can pull a horse’s spine in one direction. Alternating sides promotes better posture and symmetry.
✅ Prepare for unexpected situations – If a rider ever experiences an injury, such as a knee injury, hip pain, or back problem, they may need to mount from the opposite side. A well-trained horse will be able to accommodate this change with ease.
✅ Improve horse training and confidence – A horse that is comfortable being mounted and dismounted from both sides is generally more well-rounded, confident, and responsive in various riding situations.
Why Using a Mounting Block Can Also Help
In addition to training horses to accept mounting from both sides, using a mounting block is another important consideration. When riders mount from the ground, they often put excessive pressure on the horse’s spine, especially if they are pulling themselves up with the stirrup. Using a mounting block reduces the strain on the horse’s back, making it a better option for long-term horse health and comfort.
Should You Always Mount from the Left? The Modern Perspective
While tradition still dictates that we mount from the left, there is no rule that says you must always do so. In fact, professional horse trainers, horseback riding instructors, and experienced equestrians often encourage riders to train their horses to accept mounting from both sides. This enhances rider flexibility, promotes better horse care, and ensures horses are adaptable in a variety of riding scenarios.
So, should you always mount from the left? Not necessarily! While tradition plays an important role in equestrian culture, it's essential to prioritize what's best for the horse's body, rider's safety, and overall training process.
Final Thoughts: Breaking the Tradition for Better Horseback Riding
Understanding the history behind why we mount horses from the left is important, but so is adapting our practices for the health and safety of both horse and rider. Whether you're a beginner horseback rider, professional equestrian, or horse trainer, considering the benefits of mounting from both sides can lead to better balance, improved horse training, and a more well-rounded riding experience.
📌 Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:45 - Why I train my horses to mount from both sides
02:30 - The history of mounting from the left
04:15 - Why tradition isn't always necessary
Hey horse friends! 🐎 Have you ever wondered why we traditionally mount horses from the left side? In this video, I dive into the historical reasons behind this practice and why it originated with knights and military riders. But does tradition mean we have to stick to it? 🤔
I also share why I train my horses to mount and dismount from both sides, including practical reasons like preventing spinal imbalance and preparing for potential injuries. Plus, I explain the benefits of using a mounting block to protect both you and your horse.
👉 Watch now to learn:
✅ The history behind mounting from the left 🏇
✅ Why I believe in training horses to mount from both sides
✅ How using a mounting block benefits both rider & horse
✅ Why tradition doesn’t always mean it’s the best method
If you've spent any time around horseback riding, you've probably noticed that riders almost always mount from the left side. But have you ever wondered why this is the case? This long-standing equestrian tradition has its roots in military history, horseback riding safety, and practical considerations for knights and soldiers. However, in modern horseback riding, many trainers and riders are rethinking traditional mounting techniques to improve horseback riding balance, horse training effectiveness, and rider flexibility.
The History Behind Mounting from the Left Side
The practice of mounting from the left side dates back to medieval times when knights, cavalry soldiers, and horseback warriors carried their swords on their left hip. Since most people are right-handed, their swords were positioned on the left side to make it easier to draw them with their dominant hand. If they mounted from the right side, the sword could get in the way or even hit the horse. To avoid this, military riders always mounted from the left, and the tradition carried over into modern horseback riding, long after swords were no longer part of the equation.
Why Mounting from Both Sides Is Beneficial for Riders and Horses
While tradition plays a big role in horseback riding, it’s important to consider what's best for your horse's long-term health, balance, and training. Mounting from only one side can create muscle imbalances in horses, making them less adaptable and more resistant to handling on their weaker side. Training your horse to accept mounting and dismounting from both sides can:
✅ Prevent muscle imbalances and spinal strain – Mounting from the same side repeatedly can pull a horse’s spine in one direction. Alternating sides promotes better posture and symmetry.
✅ Prepare for unexpected situations – If a rider ever experiences an injury, such as a knee injury, hip pain, or back problem, they may need to mount from the opposite side. A well-trained horse will be able to accommodate this change with ease.
✅ Improve horse training and confidence – A horse that is comfortable being mounted and dismounted from both sides is generally more well-rounded, confident, and responsive in various riding situations.
Why Using a Mounting Block Can Also Help
In addition to training horses to accept mounting from both sides, using a mounting block is another important consideration. When riders mount from the ground, they often put excessive pressure on the horse’s spine, especially if they are pulling themselves up with the stirrup. Using a mounting block reduces the strain on the horse’s back, making it a better option for long-term horse health and comfort.
Should You Always Mount from the Left? The Modern Perspective
While tradition still dictates that we mount from the left, there is no rule that says you must always do so. In fact, professional horse trainers, horseback riding instructors, and experienced equestrians often encourage riders to train their horses to accept mounting from both sides. This enhances rider flexibility, promotes better horse care, and ensures horses are adaptable in a variety of riding scenarios.
So, should you always mount from the left? Not necessarily! While tradition plays an important role in equestrian culture, it's essential to prioritize what's best for the horse's body, rider's safety, and overall training process.
Final Thoughts: Breaking the Tradition for Better Horseback Riding
Understanding the history behind why we mount horses from the left is important, but so is adapting our practices for the health and safety of both horse and rider. Whether you're a beginner horseback rider, professional equestrian, or horse trainer, considering the benefits of mounting from both sides can lead to better balance, improved horse training, and a more well-rounded riding experience.
📌 Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:45 - Why I train my horses to mount from both sides
02:30 - The history of mounting from the left
04:15 - Why tradition isn't always necessary
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