Mounting from the ground is always difficult especially when you've left the camper and the convenience of your picnic table and/or mounting block. For years, I have always relied on finding higher ground and straddling a tree or teaching a mare I plan to ride long term to park out. I still do all of those things now that I am older, but I am also smarter as well as less agile with knees that don't want to assist in the mounting my walking horse mare while on the trail. What I use is Mounting Made Easy.... I strongly recommend the Easy Up Stirrup which brings the stirrup down about 3 inches with a click of the button then slides right back up with a lift of your toe. This device is fantastic and I've shown it to every person who walks into our barn as most of my clients like easy.
If you have additional issues such as my knees that don't have the strength they need to have or a bad hip then my next suggestion takes this to an even better solution for you. Now keep in mind I am already using the high ground, usually parking my mare out, and have Mark ready with a helping hand but when I go to mount with the EZ Stirrup I stand there and lean forward onto the saddle (THEN CLICK IT BACK INTO PLACE) before I try to swing my leg over the saddle. Great Idea and it is less undignified than the alternatives!
I hope these tips help you to enjoy your trail rides with the confidence and ease that it has allowed me over the years. Sometimes it just helps to share what you know. If you have better ideas, share them with me: marion@genesistwh.com
See their wesite at: http://www.easyupstirrup.com
NOTE: Their website is difficult to navigate and they do not seem to answer the phone but the stirrup is worth the time and effort and one will last you a lifetime. Myself, I have considered buying one for each stirrup "just in case" I get in a tight spot and can't get to what is considered the right side.
Genesis Tennessee Walking Horse Farm in Slaughters Kentucky specializes in mares by world champion sires with common sense, wonderful temperaments, and athletic ability who are a true pleasure to work with. We have horses in 26 states now and 2 overseas with a reputation for excellence. We guarantee our horses to be sound and as described. I'd love the opportunity to talk to you about our ladies. - Marion Miller (270) 339-4176 | Marion@genesistwh.com | Contact Us
We do not trade horses as our mares nor do we accept more than the asking price for the horse and pay the buyers costs for transportation costs for them. We run a fair and reputable business and I invite you to look at our Sold Horses - Testimonials.