SUMMARY
In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most hotly debated topics in equestrian circles:
Is mounting from the ground harmful to your horse’s back—or are we oversimplifying the issue?
We start with where this tradition came from (yes, swords are involved), and then take a deep dive into what the research actually says about the forces placed on your horse’s spine during mounting, especially from the ground.
We talk about what’s backed by science, what’s mostly anecdotal, and where we might be making assumptions based on fear rather than evidence.
As always, we’re bringing a critical lens. Questioning not just the status quo but also our own biases.
KEY POINTS
- Tradition isn’t always best practice: Mounting from the left is a centuries-old habit rooted in sword-wearing military culture—not in biomechanics or welfare. While it’s deeply ingrained, it’s worth asking: is our tradition creating unnecessary asymmetrical stress over time?
- The force data is clear. Ground mounting hits harder: Pressure-mat studies show that ground mounting creates significantly higher and more asymmetric force on the horse’s back, especially over the right withers. In some cases, the load is comparable to landing from a 1.30m jump. A tall mounting block or a leg-up significantly reduces these forces.
- BUT... Horses (and humans) adapt to load—when it’s progressive and intentional: Biological tissues adapt when loaded appropriately. Just like runners build healthier spinal discs or lifters increase bone density, horses may build resilience with smart exposure. Avoiding all ground mounts may actually leave both horse and rider underprepared when they need to do it.
- Rider fitness and technique matter more than we think: A quick, coordinated, athletic mount from the ground can be less stressful on the horse than a clumsy, uncontrolled mount from a block. Rider height, strength, and agility all influence how much torque is transferred. Good mounting technique should be a trained skill, not an afterthought.
- Repeated one-sided mounting can warp your saddle: Saddle makers tend to confirm that repeated torque from one-sided ground mounting can twist the saddle tree over time, creating uneven fit and pressure points. Horses may also develop postural asymmetries or muscle imbalances from always being mounted from the left.
- This isn’t black or white, and we need to be critical in our evaluation: Mounting is a biomechanical event, not just a moment. Yes, ground mounting imposes more stress. But that doesn’t make it inherently bad. Horses, riders, and tack all respond to how and how often the forces are applied. The goal isn’t to eliminate load—it’s to apply it wisely.
KEYWORDS
ground mounting, mounting block, saddle fit, rider fitness, equine biomechanics, horse back pain, one-sided mounting, spinal health, rider technique, equestrian tradition
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