Successfully teaching your horse to line up and stand at the mounting block is a fundamental skill that enhances safety and provides insights into your horse’s well-being. This comprehensive guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, focusing on positive reinforcement to build a solid foundation for a confident and reliable mount. Whether you’re training a young horse or retraining an older one, understanding the components of this behavior and addressing potential issues is key to achieving “mounting block superstar” status.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Mounting Block Training
A horse that reliably stands at the mounting block demonstrates several underlying behaviors. For practical purposes, the training can be divided into two main parts: teaching the horse to line up at the block from the ground, and then teaching them to stand calmly for mounting.
Part 1: Teaching the Horse to Line Up at the Mounting Block
The primary goal in this stage is to have your horse approach the mounting block without hesitation, stop beside it in a position suitable for mounting, and stand close enough for ease of access.
Step 1: Introducing the Block and Building Positive Associations
Begin by allowing your horse to become familiar with the mounting block. Lead your horse towards it and offer clicks and treats for simply being in its vicinity. This initial step also serves as an evaluation: observe if your horse hangs back, approaches eagerly, or shows signs of nervousness. If apprehension is noted, consider alternative approaches such as using a different object, changing the context by interacting with the block yourself, or employing targeting techniques.
Step 2: Refining the Approach and Alignment
Once the horse is comfortable approaching the block, focus on achieving a straight alignment. The horse should stop with their shoulders and hips aligned alongside the block, at an appropriate distance. This involves guiding the horse with your approach, ensuring they naturally end up in the correct position. If the horse swings their hips out or brings their shoulders around the block, specific adjustments may be needed. Techniques like walking around the horse, using targets, or employing ground poles can help guide them into the desired position. It’s crucial to reinforce the correct positioning and avoid excessive correction, as “you get what you click.”
- Addressing Hip Swing: If the horse consistently swings their hips out, you can walk to the off-side and ask them to step over, use mats or poles for guidance, or teach body part targeting for hip movement. Leading from the right side and gradually switching can also be effective.
- Addressing Shoulder Issues: If the horse brings their shoulders around the block, focus first on correcting their forward/back position, then address the hips. Targets or mats can define the stopping position for the front feet.
Distance Adjustment: Fine-tuning the distance from the block is typically addressed after the horse is reliably stopping straight. Instead of asking the horse to move laterally, it’s often easier to move the mounting block itself to the correct distance, reinforcing the horse for standing still during this adjustment. This should be done a few times until the horse’s alignment improves.
Utilizing Guidance Objects: Objects like cones or poles can be strategically placed to create a “parking space,” guiding the horse into position without making them feel trapped.
Part 2: Teaching the Horse to Stand Still for Mounting
This phase focuses on the horse remaining calm and stationary as you prepare to mount and during the mounting process itself. This begins only after the horse reliably lines up and stands at the block from the ground.
Step 1: Standing Still While You Climb the Block
The initial goal is for the horse to remain still as you step onto the mounting block and reach the top. You also need to establish that reinforcement can be delivered while you are on the block. If the horse moves before you can click, it may stem from past negative experiences; if they move after the click, they might not understand how to receive the treat. Gradually increase your presence on the block, delivering treats while standing on each step, until you reach the top. Variations of this step can include practicing treat delivery from the horse’s side once you are on the block.
Step 2: Comfort During Mounting Preparations
With the horse comfortable with your presence on the block, introduce actions that mimic the mounting process. This includes patting the horse in various locations, reaching over their back, and simulating movements like picking up the reins or stirrups. Introduce tack gradually if the horse shows anxiety.
Step 3: Remaining Still During the Mounting Sequence
Practice the specific movements involved in mounting, such as wiggling the saddle, placing a foot in the stirrup, and leaning over the horse’s back. If the horse moves at any point, break the process down into smaller, more manageable steps. Consider the horse’s posture (balanced horses tend to stand better) and re-evaluate for potential tack issues or location sensitivities.
Step 4: Waiting for the Cue to Proceed
Once you are mounted, teach your horse to wait until you cue them to walk forward. Clicking and treating shortly after you are settled in the saddle helps reinforce remaining stationary. Gradually delay the click to encourage longer waits.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter plateaus, consider that a horse with past negative experiences might anticipate riding. In such cases, thorough work on positive associations, practicing “fun” behaviors at the block, and potentially enlisting a helper can be beneficial. If problems persist, always rule out physical or equipment issues, as a horse’s reluctance often has a valid reason.
Advanced Variations and Further Learning
Beyond basic mounting, advanced skills can include sending the horse to the mounting block ahead of you, calling the horse to the block once you are on it, and generalizing the behavior to novel mounting blocks. Regularly practicing mounting multiple times in a session and teaching the horse to accept mounting from both sides can further enhance their skill set.
For those interested in delving deeper into positive reinforcement training methods, resources such as “Teaching Horses with Positive Reinforcement” and “What Can I Teach My Horse?” offer comprehensive guidance.
