Positioning your legs. For a correct stirrup length - there should be 1 inch from the bottom of the leaping horn to the top of your thigh. You should sit straight up and further back than if you were riding in a normal hunt or dressage saddle. If you are accustom to riding saddleseat (which is what I ride) you already ride sitting straight and further back
As for mounting; I have been told that when you begin, it is easier to mount as you would an astride saddle and then swing your right leg back over the pommel while keeping your back and behind straight.
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2 comments:
I think I'm to be this blogs number one fan! Just love this post - you know when you look at a picture and go "one day, that'll be me one day"? :D
Love learning right along with you!
I was very fortunate to have Betty Skelton as my teacher...she advocated common sense when mounting!! some horses have better manners than others....a horse that 'fidgets' may be safer to mount as if you were riding astride, getting settled first and then popping your leg over the neck, however, a better behaved mount can be mounted in the more 'ladylike' fashion of sliding the right leg between your left and the saddle and directly over the heads. Having an assisstant to hold your horse head may help. I don't believe there is a right or wrong here...safety should be your prime concern. Of course if a judge is evaluating you perhaps the latter would be the better way to go. Whichever way works for you it doesn't hurt to get a little practice in if you have the time and a horse patient enough to deal with multiple mounts and dismounts, it will also help you to learn how to arrange your habit comfortably!!
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