stand while mounting

[Susith@aol.com]

The condition of a horse who doesn't want to stand still while you mount can 
range from the minor annoyance to the big wreck if they decide to take off 
fast and leave you behind.

One more thing besides those that have already been suggested by other 
ridecampers is that if you disengage the rear end on one side, the horse 
usually will stand still. If not, try the off side, eventually the horse 
should grow quiet and still. Another method is to put one foot in the stirrup 
and stay with the horse while it hops. Eventually it will stop moving around 
because it doesn't like you putting your weight all on one side and it wants 
you to stop. Once the horse stops moving you reward it by not doing it 
anymore. Then when you want to get into teh saddle, they're usually still.

For some horses mounting is an issue. It might be anticipation, they want to 
get going or they don't like the feel of you getting on. Whatever the reason, 
these tips do work. You may not have to do them all the time or all of them 
at the same time. You may have to do them repeatedly if the horse is 
particularly excited, but give yourself the time to mount, and don't rush 
anything.