ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: [endurance] sportsaddle question - fixed!

Re: [endurance] sportsaddle question - fixed!

HorseWorks@aol.com
Mon, 24 Jun 1996 14:21:43 -0400

Carrie, who rides in a Sports Saddle, asked:

>>>Now, how the heck do you guys manage to get on with your girth loose? I'd
like to ride with a looser girth, but with a 16hh horse that doesn't stand
next to fences/rocks...>>>

Who was it that ran and leaped over their horse's rump and inot the saddle???
Roy Rogers or Gene Autry?? Of course, at 40 miles into a 50 or 90 miles
into a 100, not many of us have that kind of energy! So, a lesson in
mounting properly.

The left hand grabs the neck/mane (provided you are mounting from the left
side of the horse) and the right hand on the cantle. Put the left foot in
the stirrup and (some folks then bounce a time or two) swing up. Or, carry a
folding step ladder....

All kidding aside, many riders grab the cantle with the right hand and the
pommel with the left, put their left foot in the stirrup and then drag
themselves up into the saddle. If you ride in the Sports Saddle or with a
loose cinch, this won't always work. Try as I suggested - grabbing onto the
neck/mane - instead of the pommel - with the left hand.

(And don't laugh when you see me pull the saddle over when I'm tired and
trying to mount my 15.3 hand Arab!)

Genie Stewart-Spears
Distributor for the Endurance Sports Saddle
(502) 443-1505 Office hours 9-5
Central Time; Mon-Fri (unless I'm out riding!)