- 1). Tack up your horse with your normal tack, such as saddle, saddle pad and bridle. Do any pre-ride ritual such as tightening the girth and adjusting stirrups.
- 2). Lead your horse outside. If you plan to use a mounting block, position your horse next to it. Put the reins over your horse's neck and gather them for mounting. Wait for the horse to stand calmly. A helper can hold the horse by the reins, but this can sometimes aggravate a horse.
- 3). Quietly put a foot in the stirrup and wait until your horse stands still. Be ready to slip out of the stirrup if she moves. Repeat until your horse allows you to place your foot into the stirrup without moving. If your horse is particularly unruly, end the lesson for the day.
- 4). If you had to end the lesson early, repeat the first three steps. Add weight to the stirrup and wait until the horse stands calmly. You can use a helper with this step. Be prepared to slip out of the stirrup at the slightest sign of unease from your horse. Repeat until your horse permits this action.
- 5). Slowly mount your horse, but as soon as he starts to move---even in the middle of the mounting process---dismount. Repeat. Your horse should remaining standing still even as you settle your weight into the saddle. Repeat until your horse doesn't move until you nudge him forward to begin your ride
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