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Why do we mount a horse from the left2007-11-24 21:23:23

It is actually a good idea to get your horse acclimated to mounting and dismounting from both sides. There may come a time when it is impossible for you to mount on the left if something happens on the trail, or for some other reason, and you'll be in sad shape if your horse doesn't tolerate being mounted from the right.

Note: It will feel wierd at first as you practice both ways.

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it is a tradition that dates back from the start of horseback riding. it is a good idea to get your horse used to mounting no the right as well just in case you ever need to but there is no actual reason for it other than traditon.

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The tradition of mounting from the left dates back to the time when warriors carried swords on horseback. Since most people were and are right-handed, the sword was carried on the left hip to enable them to draw it quickly.

Horses were mounted from the left so that the right leg could swing up over their back without the sword getting in the way. Mounting from the right would be difficult, as the sword would get in the way of swinging the leg up, and might poke the horse.

So it really is nothing more than tradition. We mount from the left because we've been taught to. Mounting from the left resulted in tack that was designed to be buckled, cinched, or fastened from the left-- most halters, bridles, and saddles are left-sided.

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Habit and tradition mostly. There is a real reason why we do almost everything from the left and someone told me once but I can't remember what it is. I think it has to do with soldiers in ancient times but I'm not sure. What most people should do once the horse has some training on it, is to mount from the right occasionally too, and put the saddle on from the right sometimes as well. The mounting from the right side will help stretch the stirrup leathers of fenders more evenly, and can help prevent the horse from becoming "side sour" as I like to call it. I have encountered a handful of horses that have become afraid of having anything done on the right side of them, perhaps just from excessive handling from the left, but then they need to be desensitized on the right side again. I switch back and forth all the tim with my horse. I think it has helped him in quieting down too, because he has learned that no matter where I am around him it really doesn't make a difference and isn't cause for alarm.

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I'm not an expert and don't know anything about riding horses, but I came across this question. I would say that it's easier for right handed people (which is the majority of people). Just like climbing a fence, shooting a layup, ect. Typically right handers pull with their right hand and push with their left hand while kicking their right leg up. It's just a theory I just thought of. Sorry if it doesn't make sense.

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Thats all correct, but it's not soldiers or warriors. It was knights!

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well if you try and mount him or her from the rear, it might kick you right in the nads.

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ever watch a rodeo and see a bull dogger