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What can I do to make my horse stand still while I am mounting him?

Last Updated: August 15, 2006

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You will need someone to assist you by holding the head of the horse as you try this suggestion. Try this in a stall or small confined area. If you are inside, make sure the roof is tall enough that you are not in danger of hitting the rafters or beams. You hold on to the reins, and have the other person hold on to the head stall. Make sure both of you are on the same side of the horse. Go ahead and put your foot in the stirrup and just stand straight up. Do not swing your leg over and sit down in the saddle. As the horse starts to move, tell him whoa, pull back on the reins, and try to make him stop. If he stops for just an instant, give him slack on the rein. If he moves again, ask him to stop. Stay standing in the stirrup until he decides to quit walking around and stops and stands still. Once he stops and stands for a little bit, praise him, then step down. Repeat this process until he no longer walks around with you when you step up in the stirrup. Once he stands for you to step up in the stirrup, then swing your leg over and sit down in the saddle. Sit there for a minute, then dismount and repeat. If he starts to walk around again, back up in the process to the part where he doesn't move and start again. Make sure you reward him for correct behavior during this process. This may take a little bit of time depending on how long he has been allowed to move around when mounted. Let him realize that he doesn't have to work as hard if he stands there and lets you mount.

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