Standing Still at the Mounting Block

[@abbydaughtry6119]

I love how gentle you are with all of your horses! It is like a breath of fresh air in the horse world where some people are so demanding!

[@6970terry]

Finally a technique that works!!! Thanks so much! I have unsuccessfully used the techniques where you make the wrong thing hard (moving backwards or in circles) and she has progressively gotten worse and worse. I was at my wits end. It's almost like I have trained to her start moving when I try and mount, it's been horrible. Finally the treat method with rewarding good behavior worked in ONE day. She is a very food motivated horse and this was like magic. Thank you so much, you have great training videos! :)

[@sassy772]

Iam an older rider so I bought a mounting block. Reviewed a couple mounting videos , your explanation of horse anticipation, iam going to have some fun with that, when I go to mount he surely not going to expect it. Thanks for the tip and fun ideas,

[@kelly2162]

the best video on this topic ever, been looking for weeks. forget the warwick schillers etc. this is the first video that actually shows a horse with some of the standing still issues. all the other clips have horses that stand perfectly. how is that suppose to help. thankyou!!! this is going to help me so much.

[@Lue-rd2lb]

Surely clips that already show horses standing still proves that whatever technique they explain works and is tested. So therefore they’d still be useful to you?

[@Leah-sn8sm]

Love your kindness with your horse as well🐎😊

[@denateller3017]

Thanks for this clip, we always feel so rushed to get on and go and I'm sure that doesn't help with the process of learning to stand still. I loved the concept of "breaking it down" and lining up the reinforcement to help train. Thanks!

[@Esddi2909]

Thank you! This is the most informative and practical video I’ve seen on this issue.

[@patriciaroyston1786]

The best video I have ever watched to help me get over my mounting problems. Really well shown and explained. Thank you so much.

[@juliastefanska6590]

I had others that rode my loan horse, and what I found is, when you want to get on the horse, get on the horse as soon as you put your foot in and the horse is standing. What I saw is that a rider would always stand with her foot in the stirrup and do little hops, pulling the saddle as she got on, the next time round as she was taking her time getting on, the horse swung his back away from the mounting block and that's when the issue started. Make sure others and you are getting on the horse correctly (not pulling the saddle to get on) .

[@kooglestables3479]

I really enjoy your videos, I always learn something from you. Thank you!

[@izziebee100]

Thank you I love yr energy with the horses xx Hi all the way from New Zealand xx

[@stephaniesmith5974]

This was one of ur best videos! It made so much sense and I can’t wait to try it! I struggle with getting my horses to stand at the mounting block and usually have someone there holding them which is not teaching them a thing! Now I know how to do it so ty and I will prob watch this a few more times too!! Ty again

[@carolross547]

Perfect! The only thing I would add is to teach the horse to move his hips toward you to eliminate the need to circle. Nice to see young folks with good information and good teaching skills. Nice job.

[@madyson3439]

My horse is totally the playing games he is 19 years old and a retired show . I have seen him stand for others at the but lately there's been something in the air that he just refuses to stand still. I kinda love it because he was always like a zombie horse I would call it, but now he's getting a little character/attitude personality back

[@cvp1d4]

i laughed at this, thats so cute

[@jaceyrhine5121]

I love your bitless bridle

[@pariahmouse7794]

Haha, I never put my feet in the stirrups right away, I like to warm up at the walk without them, it really helps my seat! I usually have to let the stirrups down a hole when I do pick them up, it is really helpful for me!

[@annejanssen7849]

Great video. Thank you. I will try the treat method since as soon as I get on my horse he’s walking immediately.

[@writingscripture9467]

I have a Tennessee Walker mare and she walks off as soon as I mount and I, also, just try to get my foot in the stirrup right away. This'll help immensely as we have a mounting block now and we can work on this. I like the idea of putting her between the block and the fence. I'm excited to work on this with Ella

[@occfilms]

Another great video! I have a 16 hh OTTB and he does great at the mounting block, but on occasion he does want to wonder off, it's only about once every 10 mounts or so, but this will still be very helpful. Thanks for another great training method! Your videos are amazing!

[@amyreynolds7244]

This was really helpful for me! I look forward to trying out some of these tips. Thank you. :)

[@coffeehugger]

What a wonderful video. Your balance is so good. So light. Mine not so great. I have fallen off my horse when mounting and dismounting. Yesterday I fell so hard, had my foot caught in stirrup, trying those boots on for first and last time. Saddle flipped over and I was under my horse. Now after couple times of me doing this, she is understandably nervous when I mount. I try to get on without use of stirrups, but she will sidestep. Then she walks forward. I'm so reassured watching this because I am doing some things right. But it's fear that makes me hesitate. Not sure what to do. She is a good horse but no question I can get hurt like this. Just can't bring myself to put my foot in stirrup when I mount. But after I'm in saddle, I stand a few seconds and then slide feet in. It's the getting on. And I'm teaching her bad habits. :(

[@NurseSarahBarker]

Omg this has helped me so much can’t wait to put it into practice thank you x

[@Jessica-91]

My new horse Chevy won't stand still at the mounting block and has soon has I sit in the saddle he wants to walk off. So I will definitely use the techniques that you showed.

[@xxcristalmaniacxx2603]

OH my GOSH! Look at that gorgeous horse!!

[@treelore5100]

Update: I did the treat with my horse until winter when I was wearing gloves and he bit down on my finger! (it hurt!) It's not easy to give a treat without it falling on the floor. In the long term (with my horse) I found the best way was to create a really good bond on the ground and the horse doesn't want to leave you, that does take time though so a few treats to start don't hurt. Just watch your fingers! and after a few weeks replace the treat with a good stroke of the neck. I found my horse got pretty pushing when I went to get on also as he knew I had a treat in my pocket :-) so it can create a new problem if you do it for too long. We now have a great bond and no issue with getting on.

[@pariahmouse7794]

Yeah, treats can be a double edged sword, haha! There is a mare at my barn who is super smart, and SUPER food motivated, she was the first horse I rode and interacted with there, and she can take treats without issue- she gets a bit pushy with ME, but she is smart enough to know that I am the only person who will give her any treats, so she doesn't ever bother anyone else, and she is pretty good with me- she'll "ask" rather pushily, but she won't do anything crazy to reinforce it, like biting or whatever, we have created quite a bond through treats and kind behaviour, she can be a little naughty and everyone else is kind of sharp with her, but I take my time and give her scratches and do everything as gently as possible, she is very mouthy when having the girth done up, but she doesn't do it with me, I am really proud of that! I say "one two three SQUEEZE" right as I pull, and it seems to help all of the girthy horses! I tried treats with the next guy I rode, (the white horse in my profile picture) but he is a MONSTER with treats, I can only give him one or two at the very beginning of a session and at the very end... Every horse is so different, what works with one will only cause more problems with another, but I love the puzzle they present, they are definitely worth figuring out!

[@treelore5100]

@@pariahmouse7794 I always put the girth on with two holes to spare so on but slightly loose and then walk the horse around the arena once and then tighten the girth. Most horses will not be happy with a girth going on all the way when saddled up. It's the kindest method also it's safer as you want to be sure the tummy is not being pushed out while putting on your girth all the way and then when you go to get on too lose as the stomach is not bloating out. Also when you sit on the girth naturally gets a fraction loser. However it's not comfortable for any horse to be ridden with a super tight girth. At the same time you don't want your saddle slipping back or shifting off to the side for your and the horses sake.

[@felicityhill6230]

Very helpful to focus on breaking it down. Will try putting block by jumps next time, instead of mounting at gate, break it up. Also i dislike the metal box used at yard, so will take my old plastic box, make it relaxed, take control. I like to use gates too as they are more accessible when outside an arena! Great advice here, thanks. Never thought of giving a treat when on board.

[@mugshotesp]

Just started coming across your videos and I wish I had seen these sooner.

[@nikkichloe]

I’m definitely going to try this, thank you Cali your videos are so helpful!

[@gbeatrix1]

Great video!

[@deniseelliott3986]

Thank you so much! You have no idea how much this helps🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@wetdewlap8741]

My horse does this but I was wondering how you can tell if it’s nervousness from being unbalanced or if the previous owner was a get on and go, or if there is another problem, are there specific signs to look for that would distinguish the “what each possible motive for movement is” I know it’s not saddle fit, he is fitted properly. I always think am I that bad of a rider he just doesn’t want to be ridden.. but then he is absolutely fine and agreeable once I’m on. Video is very helpful. Thank you

[@caitlinsoergel7812]

This video was great. I have the issue where my mare immediately walks off when I get in the saddle. I am going to try the sitting still and then going for the other stirrup tip you stated on my next ride. Thanks!

[@sfmpr29]

Another terrific video. Thank you!!

[@lightson8674]

Great video! I've been doing this with my new OTTB.

[@pinkfreud62]

The horse has a really sweet expression.

[@cvp1d4]

i love this video! do you know where the bridle is from please?

[@treelore5100]

I'm going to work on this tomorrow! will try the treat method and doing what you showed here. As today my horse went trotting off with me with only one foot in the stirrup. He thinks one foot in time to go! Not a safe way to ride LOL.

[@coffeehugger]

Nope!! I agree.

[@viviansmith2177]

since its no stirrup november at my barn, we have to have people help us mount and today i got on and i wasnt ready and my horse bolted off and i fell on my butt

[@melissawolf553]

My mare is so quick to walk off and go. Very frustrating. Especially since I'm on a steep hill (no flat areas around my property). But learning to figure out the stirrup later is helpful.

[@elliemathews6884]

Excellent video

[@gilliangirl1]

Some great tips in here, thank you!

[@danielablettner7158]

Than k you so much! This is so helpful!

[@sheilabraun9294]

Great video. I noticed your horse looks to you for reassurance with his nose & mouth and you push him away. Lots of people do this, but I've found that if I give them a little tickle or rub around the mouth, they settle and feel reassured. This isn't the common advice, but I got it from Warwick Schiller who explained extremely well exactly where and how to respond to that little gesture from your horse. When you push him away, you lose a small opportunity to strengthen your bond with him. I really like your method with the mounting block. It's gentle and effective.

[@1jazzyphae]

Yep I do the same thing😊

[@lesliethieme655]

My horse backs up at the mounting block will these exercises still help we just started soing solo things I have had him for 2 months I'm working on my alone confidence and think this is also an issue

[@Murrinholi1]

Hi - I am a volunteer for the Riding for the Disabled charity in Scotland. We have a mounting block issue with our Highland pony, he absolutely refuses to be mounted from the "correct" side, but will occasionally allow you to lead him to the block the 'wrong' way. He's very sensitive around the right side girth area. Today we got him to the mounting block, I walked up to it, and started to pet him, his head came up, and his body tensed, so I got off the block, and did the same thing from the ground, his nose was practically on the ground. We want to use positive reinforcement training, but not sure where to begin, we are a charity and this year has been horrific, we want to help this pony, who's obviously had a really bad experience get used to it. are there any tips over and above your video that we could try? I'm a total beginner, but eager to learn, we don't really want to use pressure and release on its own. So, yeah, I am open to anything you can do to help, he really is a wonderful wee pony, I've been following your video for many years - if I could afford it, I'd join your programme, because of the major joints in my body collapsing I am unable to consistently work and have very little money, I am hoping that you have the time to reply. Gareloch RDA is an amazing place, it has taught me so much. [e-mail] - thanks Laura

[@jostanley9310]

thanks your videos are really good and i might even go riding lessons so thanks a lot!

[@anneyrose]

Exactly what my horse did, stood still then moved butt over i need to slow it down, i usually get on at fence ok. trying block now .

[@alg12700l]

Thanks so much for this video.

[@abassage655]

thank you for your great example of how to work with the mounting block resistant horse. My big guy (16.2) is so tall that I NEED that 3 step block to get on. I have had him for only about 3 months. At first, he stood next to the block like a rock. But now hemoveds off as soon as I get on the 1st step. It takes a lot of patient re-alligning him before he will actually let me get on board. Why this change, I wonder. He has always seemed to enjoy our rides, so I don't believe it is ride aversion. ... But I really don't know. I do put the block in such a way that he has the block on the mounting side and a fence on the other. Your video gave me things to think about. I'll try to break down my process with him into tiny steps, and reward what works. Thanks.

[@michellecoburn2930]

Great video, thabnks! What kind of bridle are you using?

[@anita62d15]

hi, I love your videos and the way you explain things. but there is a question I have. I am riding a riding school horse and when it comes to mounting she's making my life difficult. she goes every way, even backwards to avoid me to get on her. I use a mounting block, but I think you can imagine how this looks (yes indeed like a slapstick :-)). I even put her along the wall with the mountingblock between her and me, with her nose pointing to the corner. it simply won't help, because then she's moving backwards. sometimes I see videos of riders who let their horse walk backwards on purpose to convince the horse that this is not the way they should act while the rider is mounting. could you please please please give me some advice. thank you in advance.

[@daniellelareau6135]

Thank you for this! Extremely helpful, on a related topic, my mare gets very fidgety and paces while grooming and saddling while tied, any hints?

[@Red_Horse26]

I need to know how you can get your horse to stop walking off as soon as you put your foot in the stirrup while in a lesson, because when I was in a lesson, and I'm about to get on from the mounting block i put my foot in the stirrup and my horse starts to walk off and he won't stop.

[@janmiller9124]

Hello. Do you have a video on how to slow down the walk. My horse is just very marchy and quick in the walk, her trot is much calmer then the walk. I cant just give her a long rein and have a relaxing walk. Please help. Thank you. :)

[@karalou2359]

My horse is like that but I've trained him to be like that! To slow my horse down I've taught him that when I sit deep into the saddle and do half halts he steadies his pace. I also use he command "steady" along with it.

[@bettinahelm8262]

I have a new horse. The second time I went to mount him from the mounting block,as I got into the saddle, he started backing up. Before I could get settled he was backing up so fast, that my other foot never got into the other stirrup,my reins were never settled and I was struggling to maintain control. I slid out of if the saddle,and hit the ground. Hurt my arm and shoulder. My horse trotted off and bucked a few times before settling down and coming back to me. What went wrong? I feel like my riding life is ending before I can get it to start!

[@kitsunelupin1178]

Your videos are really great! Greetingsfrom Germany, where are you located?

[@HorseClass]

CartmanKyle StanKenny Thank you! I am in the United States, in Pennsylvania.

[@annaregan1324]

Thankyou .You are such a Great help .Such Clear instruction ! Im .Just learning adult. U.K I like that U.S.A instructors go into far more detail than in U.K as to (WHY YOU DO things ! ! Im in U.K I feel on 80 % occassions im told JUST DO THIS OR THAT WITH LESS or no EXPLAINATION WHY.! ! I have keep asking Three instructors ive had in U.k TELL ME TO DO THINGS .I ASKING WHY ? Seem that they dont always WANT TO OR have time for explainations! .but I need know for safety reasons .and so i can learn ! ..I GUESS TIME ISNT ON THERE SIDE at Riding schools! I UNDERSTAND that AS THE HOUR GOES QUICKLY BUT ..I get frustrated at times as i do things ok so they say but dont always knoww why i need do it ! SO I really enjoy .YOUR VIDIOS as they FILL IN GAPS IM unsure about GREATLY! They also helps me visually too.which is good ! IF EVER IN UK I DEF HAVE YOU AS MY INSTRUCTOR NO MATTER WHAT IT COST ! Sending a big THANKYOU .KEEP IT UP ..PLEASE !

[@lwb442]

My lease horse likes to test me. What can I get away with today? I'm going to give your ideas a try tomorrow.

[@rachelokeeffe3386]

I used to ride a horse called benson in a ridding school anytime I used to go up to the mountain block or put my foot in the stirup he would kinda walk back to get his balance is there anyway in stopping it??

[@Anne-ni2bf]

I have to ask being a talented horse trainer...what makes a horse rear and try to throw off a rider at a mounting block? Could it be incorrect fitted equipment, rider weight, or other issues? I tried out a few horses and had less then positive experiences 🤦‍♀️🐴 Background: beginner novice rider returning back from maternity leave. No issues getting on previous horse or a friend's but got thrown off badly on a horse I didn't know with the trainer actually holding the horse she described as "girthy"

[@instridewith_life]

A trainer that I occasionally ride with has a horse that immediately walks off before i even put my foot into the stirrup, he told me that i just have to learn to get on really fast but I don't like doing that because it makes me nervous....what do i do???!!!!!

[@coffeehugger]

be extremely careful

[@theshelfrighteousreader3654]

I agree, get a new trainer. You don’t want to dawdle around (I’m guilty of that and then the horse gets impatient) but you should NEVER have to just “jump on.” Not only is it annoying, it’s dangerous.

[@JustAgirly0]

theres one particular horse that lately bucks up every time im trying to get on (without a block cuz i dont use it anymore)

[@silverkitty2503]

horses usually move when being mounted because they feel unbalanced or responding to pressure ...they are nervous and don't have confidence in being able to be mounted ....firstly look at yourself ARE YOU GOD AT MOUNTING are you confident? if the horse feels neither of you know what you guys are doing he will improvise. SHOW him how to be confident in being mounted.

[@user-ow6rc4rc3g]

IS THAT A BIT LESS? you deserve a sub from me 😂👏🏻❤️

[@dianereiser6417]

You moved him forward at the mounting block and he moved his hind end away from you, then you didn’t show us how you would fix it from there, instead you got back off the mounting block. I’m confused.

[@meganbaker8993]

my ottb has issues with mounting. every time we walk up to the mounting block, he freaks out and runs away. when we put him in between the jumps like you did in the first example, that just scares him more. he won’t stand when i’m trying to tighten the girth, or adjust my stirrups on the ground. he is a totally different horse when i’m riding him (in a good way) but he still struggles with mounting, to the point where it’s dangerous for both of us. do you have any tips to work on getting him not afraid?

[@alexisrose5744]

Megan Baker my Arabian was very similar, and he was even worse with mounting, what I did was whenever he would freak out while tightening the girth I would let go and let him calm down and pray the saddle didn’t fall, and when he didn’t freak out I would reward him with pats and I would tell him good boy, over a couple months he’s gotten so much better, I rescued him and we think the past owner did something while mounting so I could never ride him bareback because it scared him so much more, and recently as last month he’s gotten so much better and now I can ride bareback and I can mount him without him leaving and he lets me tack and brush him without him freaking out. The key is just patience and repetition.

[@renadurr6480]

My horse sometimes turns her head to try and bite my foot when I'm riding. I've never known a horse to do that before. I had my crop in my hand and tapped her hard on the nose. Did I do the right thing? I would appreciate any advice.

[@kevinlogan3479]

That's really wrong never tap ur horse on the nose with a crop or it may make the horse scared so u won't be able to touch its mouth if ur horse is turning trying to bite ur foot try pull ur horses head away if it does do it give it a wee tap with ur crop but never ever tap there Jose with a cop hope it was helpful Shannon 🐴

[@juliastefanska6590]

If you have rein contact the horse shouldn't be able to turn fully around and bite your foot. And if it happens when your using keg aids make sure the horse isn't in pain. Also my horse sometimes nibbles my foot when I get on and I'm talking to someone to kind of say "what are you doing?" So I mean first make sure to rule out any pain!

[@badlander2000]

Is the horse actually trying to bite, or just investigating? If you can't correct her with the reins my trainer's advice is usually to give them a kick in the sides and then keep them moving; it tells them they've done something naughty and gives them something to put their mind to, rather than the behavior you're trying to correct.

[@felicityhill6230]

I think its important to recognise the difference between trying to bite and biting. If a horse wants to bite you, it will. Did your horse change after you used your crop? I don't want to judge you, i would not want to feel i couldn't post a comment without being slated, we are all trying to help each other. No need to snap!

[@erwincablayan]

Once I am done with a trail ride, my horse immediately moves his hind away from me as I am dismounting. Is he just glad the ride is over or did I not mount him properly in the first place?

[@Kelly_Ben]

Are you possibly bumping him with your knee or toe when you dismount, pulling the saddle off center, etc? Horses can't really remember what you did an hour ago, so I'm guessing it's something that's happening as you dismount.

[@mollyevans7949]

Out of no where my horse started bolting as I was half way on then the next day he was fine so I was like ok maybe he just got spooked by something nope the next day he bolted again ( both times bolted I fell off) then my friend went on he was fine then my other friend went on him he bolted she stayed on but then he started bucking then she fell of now he moves his hind end or walks off

[@Snapfuba]

He might be sore or his saddle might be pinching him? Bolting and bucking can be a sign of lameness so I would get a vet to check him or at least give him a break. You could also check that his saddle isn’t pinching him anywhere. Hope this help!!!

[@mistypond7599]

I mount a draft horse that is very wide and likes to back up

[@mistypond7599]

forgot to mention this is all bareback and I use a halter

[@sagastarpark8575]

My mom and dad might let me do horse back riding

[@seezee64]

Good for you! Did they?

[@sofiazuniga7088]

Yes! Bit less all the way, girl!

[@mwarners3600]

lol, I do this the same way :)

[@skeelcourt451]

Racehorses are mounted while they’re moving so when they are sold to someone who wants to do say trails or dressage they have to be taught to stand still for mounting

[@katehines8278]

Giving a treat from the saddle is a bad habit....on the human's part. A pat on the neck is fine, but you will soon create a horse that swings his head around about to bite your knee. No treats fed by hand, that is just foolish.

[@conniecataraestep3255]

EXACTLY!! Giving treats by hand only creates another problem, BITING!! Petting should be the reward as you stated, it is a positive reinforcement!

[@evimarioli3039]

You shouldn't be using a mounting block...if you can't get on a horse u don't deserve riding one...especially a short horse like yours!

[@myrtleeldred1745]

Not everyone is that flexible.. not everyone can vault on.. maybe the horse will respond badly if she vaulted on. If you don't know other people's situations, don't judge

[@evimarioli3039]

TurtleBerry whatever.....but let's be honest...the mounting block is extra

[@staciebos352]

Ground mounting can put a strain on the horses back. I watched an interesting video on it and how it affects their spine once the weight goes full force on only one side. I really wish I could remember the name! As well, the horse I (typically) ground mount on is quite tall, and I am quite short. Using a block eliminates the need for me to lengthen my one stirrup just to get on. As well she is quite anxious and wants to go right away (why I am watching this video) so then I have to shorten my stirrup again while battling her to stay still. Try and put yourself in another riders boots ;)

[@KathleenMahaney]

Evi Marioli I have a 17.2 hand horse. I am not mounting from the ground and pulling on his back.

[@Bishopinparis]

Great video!