Are You Piling On The Pressure As You Mount?
DID you know you could be putting your horse under extreme pressure when you are trying to climb into the saddle?
In a recent research study conducted by the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) a range of mounting techniques were tested in relation to saddle movement and pressure on the horse’s spine.
Using a Pliance system under the saddle to measure the pressure exerted, the research also looked to establish the effects of different riders when mounting and develop the best practice for getting into the saddle.
Equine and human physiotherapists would be quick to say mounting from the ground isn’t recommended, but what is really the best way to mount?
Tested
The six different mounting techniques tested were:
• Unaided from the ground • Supported from the ground (right-hand stirrup leather held)
• With a leg up
• From a low block (22.5 inches high)
• From the low block supported (right-hand stirrup leather held)
• From a high block (38 inches high)
For each an average pressure reading was calculated for the different method, showing how each technique affected the horse and the saddle.
Results
The most pressure on the horse’s back came from mounting unaided from the ground, which is no surprise. The least amount of pressure came when mounting from a high block and putting no pressure on the stirrup.
Another finding from the results was the amount the saddle actually moved across the horse’s spine when mounting. The most movement was seen again when mounting unaided from the floor.
The technique used was considered the most important factor rather than the rider’s fitness Less pressure was exerted when riders pushed up with their legs rather than pulling themselves up with their arms.
The position on the rider’s hands 1 Giving a leg-up
also proved influential when mounting. The worst readings were seen when the left hand was on the pommel and the right hand on the cantle. The best results were seen
3 Arriving elegantly in the seat
when the rider placed their left hand on the withers and right hand on the offside of the saddle behind the flap. Lengthening the stirrup leather to help mounting was also found to increase the amount of pressure, as did bouncing to help build up momentum in mounting from the ground. This caused more leverage on the saddle and increased pressure on the horse’s spine.
Best Practice for Mounting:
• The best way is to mount from a high block so you can more
or less step across on to the saddle.
• Mounting from a low block is better supported with the right stirrup being held.
• A leg up is best supported at the knee and ankle.
• Holding the withers with the left hand and the offside of the saddle with the right hand – this prevents the amount of saddle distortion.
• Try not to ‘bounce’ and reduce the length of time ‘hanging’ from the stirrup if mounting from the floor.
For more information on the Society of Master Saddlers visit
www.mastersaddlers.co.uk
2 Legging the rider up a little too high
Brace yourself Duster. Mounting from a high mounting block
www.equestrianlifemagazine.co.uk 27
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