Re: RC: Step stools was Far Outtt Forest, With the Kid: Part Four

[Mickie Newnam <akelakhan@earthlink.net>]

Maggie,
One of the first things our horses learn when being trained is "line up".  My
gelding will line up to the trailer fender (my personal favorite when I'm doing
day rides), a step stool, a milk crate, a log, whatever.  I can mount from the
ground if there's no alternative, but there's no reason to in most instances.
It's easier on my horse and on me (I have weak knees and a big butt -- bad
combination).  Mounting from the ground does cause torque on the horse's back.
Even the more limber and coordinated riders at my barn use a mounting block.
So no flames here -- I commend you on the decision!
Mickie

Maggie Mieske wrote:

> <I needed a 3-step stepstool to get on him at home>
>
> Speaking of step stools...I need some reassurances from folks that I am not
> the only one out there who uses a step stool!!  My kids ridicule me for
> doing this but in the last couple of years as I seem to have gotten shorter
> (while they continued to grow taller), I decided it wasn't worth the hassle
> of hurting my back or my horse's back.  I can get in the saddle without one
> depending on which saddle it is and where I have the stirrups (necessary
> for dismounting out on the trail), but it just seems to me to be healthier
> for both of us to do this when a stool is available.  Please don't flame me
> with my poor horsemanship skills, etc.  I USED to be able to leap into the
> saddle in one bound...(ok, maybe it was two or three bounds!).
>
> Maggie Mieske
> Mieske's Silver Lining
> 10601 S. Richards Rd.
> McBain, Michigan 49657
> http://www.netonecom.net/~mmieske
> mmieske@netonecom.net
>
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