Tips from Hadlow College

Hadlow, Kent's premier college and one of the UK's leading specialist colleges, has a renowned
equine department. Starting this month, the college offers some tips, advice and suggestions.

A horse that doesn't - or won't - stand to be mounted is dangerous! Of course, it is much better for the horse's back - and the saddle - if the rider always uses a mounting block - but this won't be possible unless the horse is sufficiently well-mannered to stand calmly alongside the block.
What makes a horse difficult to mount? Here are a few of the most common causes:

The horse has never been trained to stand whilst being mounted.
At one time or another, he has been mounted unsympathetically by someone who crashes onto his back.
He has a tender back - possibly relating to either an ill-fitting or badly adjusted saddle/roller.
He has a more serious veterinary problem.
The saddle is 'plonked' on his back and the girth hauled up and he associates the whole business with discomfort.
The girth is pulled too tight or is pinching.
When attempting to mount, the rider pulls the saddle across the horse's back - and then makes a bad situation worse by trying to wrench the saddle back into position without undoing the girth!

Curing the problem demands patience and consistency!

Check and deal with potential causes (see above).
Walk the horse past the mounting block without attempting to mount. Be prepared to do this for several days.
Take the horse up to the block in stages. Again - this may take several days. When he is approaching the block calmly, ask him to stand close to it. Make much of him when he relaxes. Repeat until the exercise is established and the horse is calm and happy every time.
Introduce the help of an experienced friend and ask him/her to go through the exercise with you and the horse. If the horse tenses up, keep repeating the exercise (over several days if necessary) until he is confident. Reward him when he remains calm.
Ask the friend to hold his head while you mount the block and lean across the saddle. Repeat as necessary. Finally - mount from the block and gently lower your weight into the saddle.

As well as a range of equine-related courses, Hadlow College also offers a wide variety of one-day and short courses useful to anyone keeping or working with horses including: Tractor driving; Sites, Soils and cultivation; Chainsaw handling; Health and safety; Appointed person first aid - and a lot more. Freephone: 0500 551434.