Mounting and Dismounting Procedures

Mounting and Dismounting Procedures

Section 1.

Do no harm: You are unlikely to do harm to your client/rider if you follow mounting and dismounting procedures to the best of your ability and judgement, and always consider how the chosen method benefits that specific challenged individual. Major EAA/T organizations have written their own procedures for safe mounting and dismounting. In this study, I will take this much further and reflect upon detailed mounting and dismounting. It is vital that practitioners recognize that it is the overture to the whole therapeutic session and as such underpins everything that follows.

Choosing a Safe Procedure: Case Notes

Bad choices can make mounting dangerous and time consuming. Many years ago, a new nervous rider came into the arena to mount her horse. The practitioner in charge had chosen a horse that was very alert and was capable of reacting very quickly to a rider’s fear. On this occasion, the horse became fidgety, did not stand still and moved away from the rider every time she tried to mount. The situation, instead of getting better, got worse. Finally, after several attempts, and to dissipate the situation, the practitioner decided to take the horse out of the arena and bring in another horse. The rider managed to mount the second horse, but remained extremely stressed, never relaxing sufficiently for progress to be made during the session.

On another occasion I remember watching a practitioner bringing four horses into the arena for a group ride. The horses were lined up correctly, but the practitioner failed to notice that one of the horses moved inwards towards another horse in the line. When the riders came to mount, the horse that moved inwards was already putting his ears back, moving even closer towards his horse neighbor in order to kick. In this situation, the rider got kicked on the leg while mounting.

To note, horses should stand 1 ½ horse distance from the next horse. The 1 ½ horse distance is a distance that guarantees that horses remain standing out of kicking distance from each other. The distance obviously depends on the size of each horse standing side by side. Sticking to distance rules makes arena mounting safer.

Safe Mounting and Dismounting

Mounting and dismounting can be the most dangerous part of any Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy session (EAA/T). EAA/T practitioners must know how to safely use various mounting and dismounting methods for riders with special challenges. They must know where, when, how and why to assist mounting and dismounting of any challenged rider. They also must know that this procedure is not natural for a horse. To stand still with several humans around their bodies, or stand still jammed next to a large mounting block makes a horse feel very claustrophobic, and they want to get away. Horses can feel off balance when riders are placed on top of them, and even experience back pain or pain underneath the girth strap. Mounting a rider on a horse is a skill and needs lots of rehearsing, especially for mounting challenged and disabled riders.

Prior to mounting a challenged rider, practitioners who are in charge should be aware of a rider’s specific impairment and its manifestations, in order to choose the correct horse and mounting technique. Further, they should have some knowledge of the rider’s and horse’s personality which may produce mounting and dismounting difficulties. They need to know the benefits and contraindications of any mount or dismount.

Practitioners who are in charge of the mounting are responsible for the horse, equipment, volunteers and the whole environment of the session. Here, I am not separating specialists from therapeutic riding instructors or any kind of EAA/T practitioner. I firmly believe that everyone who wishes to partner with a horse, and provide a service to the challenged rider, must understand what they are doing and know how best to work with a horse to achieve therapeutic goals. Equally, one never knows when they may be left in charge, it is not always possible to rely upon a practitioner!

Practitioners should be aware that any changes made to the mounting environment, horse, equipment, leader or side walkers can have a negative effect upon the rider. Changes cause insecurity. Such issues as new helpers assisting mounting and dismounting, or changes in equipment such as a different saddle pad or saddle, can make the rider feel so uncomfortable.

Case Notes

For the past 3 ½ years I have been teaching riding to a severely disabled rider who is paralyzed from the waist down from spina bifida and is wheelchair bound. One evening, we were sitting discussing her ride when we turned the topic to trust. The rider explained how difficult change was for her. Meaning, how difficult it was for her if we changed the horse, or equipment, a leader or side walker. Change made her feel extremely nervous, out of her comfort zone. If a different practitioner or volunteer helped her to mount the horse, regardless of whether it was a manual or electric lift technique, and even if she knew the person, if they had not helped in her riding session, she felt she could not trust them. She said she needed to know that the leader at the head of the horse knew that specific horse and its personality. She talked about her concern as to whether the side walker would know how to ease her body onto the horse. If she did not have the same team, her whole ride was disrupted as she was unable to relax. During the conversation I tried to reassure her that if, for any reason, I had to make any changes that would increase insecurity I would cancel the ride.

Section 2.

Mounting Techniques

I have seen in my working life some extremely odd and dangerous ways to mount horses. I remember seeing at one center, mounting left to the parents, out of sight of the practitioner. I have seen ladders propped against a horse, lightweight plastic stools, as well as household 3-4 step ladders that have tiny tops to stand on. None of this equipment or practice is safe for mounting.

Mounting is part of a session that requires the utmost care to ensure safety. If there is any doubt that the session is threatened in any way, then the practitioner should not continue. If volunteer support is needed to assist mounting, and the practitioner does not feel the available volunteers are ready to help, they should not proceed, as there is too much risk involved.

Practitioners should always ensure that mounting is carried out in a dignified manner. Practitioners should ensure that a rider’s clothes remain in place, not exposing parts of the rider’s body that they would rather keep covered. Practitioners should be aware of where they place their hands on the rider. This is particularly relevant when it comes to gender, age or religious beliefs that could prevent the mount taking place.

Whether practitioners use normal or special methods of mounting, which may include lifts, mounting blocks and/or special procedures from the ground, practitioners in charge must always take into consideration all risks and related safety.

Examples of areas to consider:

Choose a method that cannot harm the rider
Choose the best time of day
Weather conditions
Least amount of distractions at the center and in the arena.

Preparation for Mounting

Mounting should take place where it is safe, preferably inside an arena where the ground is soft, or in a place where there are no distractions for the horse, practitioner, volunteers and the rider.

What do I mean by horse distractions?

For example:

Horses passing by, perhaps on a nearby road or in the school.
Things that would alert the horse:

Dogs barking.
Wind through trees.
Things moving and making noises, including farm tractors and equipment.

The practitioner in charge must ensure that volunteers and horses are focused. The volunteer must know their job, and why they are doing it. This information is given before taking the horse into the arena for mounting and repeated again just before mounting. The horse should be standing still, not looking with interest at what is going on in the next field or in the Center or on a path nearby. The leader at the head of the horse needs to be instructed about how to keep the horse calm and focused.

These actions are all very time consuming but necessary to keep everyone safe!

Mounting methods are sometimes complicated, so I suggest that practitioners should run through the methods on themselves, which will enable them to experience firsthand exactly how it feels to make these sometimes very difficult mounts.

To note: If practitioners learn how to teach mounting methods and tell those involved with each session what to do, they will find that they stay relaxed, and don’t rush the procedure!

Saddling horses is an art and it should be done carefully so that no harm comes to the horse.

The saddle must fit the horse.
When the saddle is put on the back of the horse, it is lifted high enough over the croup of the horse in order not to knock the horse’s back.
The girth straps are carefully, incrementally tightened, as fast and aggressive tightening techniques cause pain. Sometimes horses bloat themselves in anticipation of pain, this may be misunderstood by the practitioner, who believes that they have tightened the girth strap sufficiently. Once the horse moves, the girth strap may loosen. It is important to recheck the girth strap before mounting and then five minutes after mounting.
The girth strap should be tightened sufficiently, but not too tight that the horse cannot breathe. There should be a finger gap between the girth strap and the horse’s body.
It is a good idea to stand the horse straight and then take hold of the horse’s front leg, holding the pastern or lower leg, and pull it forward so that the girth strap eases into position.

“I remember when I was about five years old, staying at a farm in Cumbria, when I saw someone put a saddle on a huge horse and then tighten the girth strap so tightly that the horse could not breath. He fell down in the stall. This became a real drama as the horse was standing in one of the old-fashioned standing stalls. Once the girth strap was released the horse was helped up.”

The Practitioner in Charge of Mounting must ensure the following:

Checklist:

Know your rider’s challenges.
Decide the type of mounting.
Notify those assisting in the mount beforehand:

1. 1. 1. Who is going to ride?
    2. What is their specific challenge?
    3. Which horse are they going to ride?
    4. What are the characteristics of that specific horse?
    5. Notify the leader how to hold the horse.
    6. How to cope with any problem that may occur, such as the horse stepping back.
    7. How they are going to mount.
    8. What job they will have during mounting.
    9. What problems may occur, what to look out for.

Prepare horse equipment and place of mounting.
Take the horse to the mounting position… in the arena or other designated safe place.
At the site of mounting, recheck horse equipment, including always the girth strap
When tightening a girth strap…

Notify everyone that the girth strap is going to be tightened.
Tighten girth straps slowly and in stages. This begins when the saddle is first placed on the horse and the girth strap begins to be tightened.
Adjust stirrups by measuring stirrup lengths.
Keep volunteers and riders at a safe distance from the horse’s head in case the action causes discomfort to the horse and they try to bite to relieve pain.

Please Note: Know your horse – Is biting normal behavior? When was the last time the back was checked for injury? When was the saddle last checked?

Remind volunteers about the mounting procedure, and if necessary have them in a position at the head of the horse, lightly holding the head collar on either side.
Place a volunteer on the offside (the right side of the horse) to receive the rider and perhaps assist them to put their feet in the stirrups.
If a contra is needed, the volunteer assisting holds all the stirrup leathers with one hand, not pushing down on the stirrup iron. The contra offers extra support and prevents the saddle slipping to the right during mounting and dismounting.
If possible, explain to the rider how to mount, and if necessary, demonstrate.
Carry out the mounting procedure.

To note, a first-time rider mounting a horse needs more time and explanation, and in some cases, a practical demonstration.

Normal Assisted Method of Mounting from the Ground

Normal method of mounting means mounting from the ground onto either an English or a Western style saddle. There are other types of saddles, such as the Australian stock saddle or the military style saddle. In this study I will describe two methods of mounting.

English style saddle
Western style saddle

For EAA/T and assisted mounting, it is usual for the headcollar to remain on the horse from the time it leaves the stall. Attached to it is a lead-rope

Normal Assisted Method of Mounting from the Ground: English Style Saddle

The horse is prepared for English style riding, with an English style saddle, bridle, and a saddle pad (Numnah). For EAA/T, the head collar remains, or may be used instead of a bridle, and the lead rope remains attached, clipped on for a volunteer to lead the horse during the session in the arena. The stirrup length should be estimated before the rider mounts.

To note: A simple measurement method is to ask the rider to make a fist or put their closed fingers with the left or right hand and place the fist, on the stirrup bar, which is attached to the saddle. Then take hold of the stirrup leather and iron, pull it upwards to place under their armpit. This will give an approximate length of the stirrup needed for mounting. The possible correct length is the distance from the clenched fist to the end of the stirrup iron. If the end of the stirrup iron doesn’t reach your armpit when your fingers reach the stirrup bar on the saddle, then the stirrup is too short. If it sags between your armpit and your fingers, then it is too long.

The horse is then led to the mounting area by the leader, who then stands facing the horse’s head with their hands on the cheek pieces of the head collar. The leader holds the lead rope approximately eight inches below the clip and without pressure on the head collar. The leader holds any excess lead rope with their free hand. They remain facing the horse’s head until the practitioner gives the cue to move forward.

During mounting another volunteer may stand on the offside (right side of the horse when mounting from the nearside), to receive the rider’s legs and/or to help ease the rider into the center of the saddle. The equipment is checked again, including the girth strap. The rider, who is waiting to mount, will stand just behind the practitioner for safety, and away from the horse’s head. Before mounting the horse should stand balanced on all four legs.

To note: Therapy horses must be trained to accept riders mounting from both sides and leading from both the left and right side. The correct terminology used when describing the sides of a horse is: nearside for the left side and offside for the right .

The Rider Mounts.

The rider stands beside the horse on the nearside.
Facing the rear of the horse, their left shoulder is parallel to the left shoulder of the horse. In this position the rider takes the reins in their left hand.
The rein length is decided by holding the reins up with the right hand, then running the left hand down both reins till it reaches the horse’s withers, giving the correct length of the rein necessary for mounting.
The rider then keeps the reins in their left hand and places this hand on the withers just in front of the saddle.
The right hand is placed on the saddle towards the withers, somewhere between the twist and the pommel.
The rider then takes the left stirrup iron in their right hand and turns it toward self.
Placing the left foot in the stirrup and looking over the right buttock of the horse, the rider pushes off the ground with their right leg.

1. 1. In order to get a boost to mount the horse, the rider bends their right knee to create more upward thrust, boosting up and over the saddle.
  2. When the practitioner assists with this type of mount, they also need to bend their knees during the boost, not to cause damage to self.
  3. To achieve this movement safely, practitioners should brace their backs and use their stomach muscles during the boost.

Once the rider is boosted up and onto the saddle, the practitioner helps the rider to lift their right leg over the saddle:

The volunteer standing on the offside may have been requested to stabilize the saddle by taking hold of the stirrup leathers with their right hand while receiving the rider’s right leg. Then taking hold of the leg below the knee joint, they help lower it slowly down the right side towards the optimum riding position.
The rider finishes the movement in a position where they are facing the head of the horse. Gently they lower themselves down onto the saddle.
The right leg comes down on the right side of the horse, the left leg on the left side, and the feet are ready to be placed in the stirrups.
Finally, the reins are then taken in both hands, opened and are ready for riding.

To note, during mounting, make sure the rider’s left toe, and even their knee does not push into the horse’s ribs, as this can be both disturbing and frightening for the horse, which may result in the horse kicking out, rushing forward or even attempting to bite. To prevent this, and if the rider is able, they would flex their left foot/ toes upwards during mounting.

Normal Assisted Dismount from an English Saddle to the Ground

Once again, the rider must dismount from the horse in a safe space and in a safe environment.

The practitioner, after bringing the horse to a safe place, preferably on soft ground, ensures that everyone who is participating in the dismount knows what their job is. The rider is told what is going to happen, and how they are expected to dismount.

Volunteer Tasks:

The horse stands balanced and square on all four legs. In this position a horse is ready for any unbalancing movement or activity that may be caused by the rider.
Volunteers will stand at the head of the horse, and on the offside.
The volunteer who stands at the head of the horse, holds the head collar’s cheek pieces, while holding the lead-rope in the left hand. The volunteer on the offside, who should be in position before dismounting begins, supports whatever action is requested by the practitioner to get the rider safely down from the horse.
The volunteer on the offside (volunteer) may be asked to hold the stirrup leathers (contra), to stop the saddle slipping. Holding the stirrup leathers, and not pushing down on the stirrup iron gives extra support, and prevents the saddle slipping to the right during dismount.

Never hold the stirrup iron, as this pulls the saddle over to one side, and can cause pain to the horse.

The volunteer may also be asked to help the rider take their right foot out of the stirrup. The practitioner supports the rider from the left side (nearside of the horse), if necessary.
Once the rider has taken their feet out of the stirrup irons, dismounting can proceed.

Not until both feet are out of the stirrup irons can the procedure go forward.

The rider is then re-instructed how to dismount, and how it will be done and who is assisting.

Then with the support of the practitioner and possibly the help of the volunteer on the offside

Elements that the Rider Does During Dismount:

The rider lifts their leg over the back/croup of the horse.
The rider takes the reins in their left hand.
The rider takes both feet out of the stirrups.
The rider bends forward, looking towards the right ear of the horse.
The rider lifts the right leg over the horse’s body and
Slides slowly down the nearside of the horse to the ground,

landing safely and softly on both feet.

The rider, once dismounted and still holding the reins, can take them over the horse’s head ready for leading the horse out of the arena.
The rider releases the girth strap, the stirrups are run up, and the horse is led out of the arena.
The rider holds the reins in a fashion that prevents pulling on the bit. This is done by holding the reins with a two-finger distance between them. The rider leads the horse out, walking beside the left shoulder of the horse.
The rider is encouraged to thank their horse for the ride with a pat.

The Practitioner Assists the Rider in the Dismount

Stand close to the horse on the nearside, facing the rear of the horse.
Place their left foot in a position parallel to the horse’s body and clear of the horse’s left front hoof.
The foot is placed in a position that will prevent the dismounting rider from slipping underneath the horse.
Place their left arm around the rider’s body across the pelvis, below the waist.
Stretch their right arm across the rider’s back to receive their right leg.
The volunteer on the offside can assist the practitioner by assisting the right leg as it comes over the horse’s back/croup.
The practitioner takes hold of the rider’s right leg below the knee joint as it comes over the horses back. Slowly, as the leg passes over the horse’s back the practitioner makes sure that the rider’s left and right legs are brought together before they dismount to the ground between the practitioner’s left and right legs and feet.
The practitioner must protect themself during dismount by bracing their back and bending their own knees .

The emphasis is on slowness, as coming down quickly from the horse’s back can injure a rider’s ankles, bones in their legs, or feet and back.

Principles of Riding Western Style: Saddle, Bridle and Girth Strap

Using a Western Saddle, the principles of mounting and dismounting remain the same. The fixing of the western saddle, which is a different shape, and often size, requires knowledge of saddling techniques. It also requires knowledge of tightening the girth strap and lengthening or shortening stirrups, recognizing that the bit used for EAA/T is a snaffle bit with short shanks.

Today, many therapeutic riding centers are providing bitless bridles for their therapy horses, or have the reins attached to the horse’s head collar. The reason for this is that going bitless prevents the rider from putting too much pressure on the horse’s mouth. Bitless bridles exert minimal pressure, spread over a larger and less critical space, and not the horse’s mouth. It is more humane to ride a horse with a bitless bridle and provides the rider with better communication skills. The horseback riding session becomes a partnership, providing a soothing performance of pure pleasure.

To note: I am not an advocate of practicing EAA/T without any reins available for the rider. Some centers are providing EAA/T with the horse led from a head collar, and the rider has no chance of being in contact with the horse’s head.

Normal Method of Mounting from the Ground to a Western Style Saddle

1. The rider faces the rear of the horse, then taking the reins in the left-hand, places their left foot in the stirrup iron with the right hand. Taking three hop steps, if possible, to boost their right leg up and over the saddle facing the front of the horse during the mount.

The rider with their left hand takes holds of the horse either in front of the withers or on the pommel. At the same time their right hand is placed on the saddle, or seat rise, but not on the horn. Using the horn as a hand hold to swing up onto the saddle puts a strain on the horse’s back, belly and shoulders. It can be extremely painful for the horse! The boost is extremely important to make it possible for the rider to lift their right leg over the saddle cantle, which is often higher on a western saddle than an English style saddle.

Once achieved, the rider brings their right leg down slowly as they sit on the saddle.
Putting their feet in both stirrups, they then take hold of the reins with both hands, separating them for riding.
Before moving, the practitioner rechecks the girth strap. Touching or tightening the girth strap on some horses can be ticklish or even painful. If someone is holding the horse the practitioner must inform them to keep a safe distance from the horse’s head while they tighten the girth strap.

To note: Riders stand facing the rear of the horse with the reins in their left hand so that they can if necessary, prevent the horse moving forward by taking a stronger hold on the reins, which are attached to the bit in the horse’s mouth. This action may be difficult for a challenged rider and is not necessary in assisted mounting.

During mounting, make sure the rider’s left toe does not push into the horse’s ribs, as this can be both disturbing and frightening for the horse, which may result in the horse kicking out, rushing forward or even attempting to bite. To prevent this, and if the rider is able, they would flex their left foot/ toes upwards during mounting.

Normal Assisted Mounting for the Ground to a Western Saddle

The horse must be standing in a safe position for mounting, and again everyone must know what their job is, before the rider is instructed how to mount.

For assisted mounting, the leader stands at the head of the horse to keep the horse calm and discourage any forward movement. In this position, the horse is able to stand balanced and accept the rider mounting. The challenged rider mounts the horse in a position where they face more towards the front of the horse. This position makes mounting easier for the rider who does not have to cope with any complicated motor planning strategies which are required when the procedure begins by first facing the rear of the horse. Starting by facing the rear of the horse the rider needs to hop around the side of the horse, to build power for a boost upwards.

Having the leader at the head of the horse gives the practitioner freedom to choose:

Whether the rider has the ability to hold the reins or not during mounting.
What standing position the rider should take for mounting.

During mounting, the practitioner stands behind the challenged rider, in a position where they can boost them up onto the saddle and guide the rider’s right leg over the cantle of the saddle. As the rider sits down on the saddle, they place both feet in the stirrup irons. This procedure is supported by the practitioner and the volunteer on the offside.

To note: Even if the horse is the best therapy horse in the world, any action taken by the practitioner that involves adjusting equipment on the horse during mounting, may cause the horse to have discomfort. The rider and the leader must be notified before the action, and for safety, asks the rider to stand behind them for protection from the horse.

Normal Method of Dismounting from a Western Saddle to the Ground

1. Once a horse is placed in a safe position for dismounting a rider, and everyone knows what their job is, the rider is then instructed how to dismount.

1. Taking the reins in the left hand they take their right foot out of the stirrup.
2. The left foot remains in the stirrup.
3. The rider brings their right leg across the back/croup of the horse not touching the croup or the cantle of the saddle.
4. Keeping their weight on the left leg, they will bring their right leg into a position that it is parallel to their left leg.
5. Resting their body on the saddle of the horse, the rider looks and turns their body slightly towards the front of the horse. .
6. Then taking their left foot out of the left stirrup, with legs together they then come down to the ground landing if possible, facing the front of the horse.

Normal Assisted Dismounting from a Western Style Saddle

Normal dismounting from a western style saddle requires the practitioner in charge to bring the horse and volunteers into a safe position for dismount. This can be in an arena, or in a safe place where dismounting can take place on soft ground.

Once everyone is in place, they are told the method of dismount by the practitioner.
The practitioner instructs volunteers where to stand, either at the head of the horse, or on the offside, which would be the right side of the horse.
The practitioner standing close to the nearside of the horse aims to guide the rider down from the horse, and land between their feet. Their feet are placed in a position that would prevent a rider from slipping under the horse.
Holding the reins in the left hand the rider is instructed, if possible, to bend slightly forward towards the horn of the saddle.
The volunteer who is standing on the offside, is instructed to take the riders right leg out of the stirrup iron. Then pass the leg over the back/croup of the horse towards the practitioner who is standing close to the horse in a position to take the riders right leg and support the rider as they come down from the horse.
In this position, the practitioner is able to place their left arm around the rider, while their right arm reaches across the back/croup of the horse to take hold of the right leg below the knee and towards the ankle joint.
Once the practitioner can bring the two legs together, (parallel) they instruct the rider to lean across the saddle and horse.
Using their left hand, the practitioner slips the rider’s left foot from the stirrup iron.
The practitioner then assists the rider to slide down from the horse, and land safely between the practitioner’s feet and the horse.
For this type of dismount the practitioner must always bend their knees, in order to take the riders weight and protect their back.

Front Leg over the Crest and Withers of the Horse Method of Dismounting from either an English or Western Saddle

When it is impossible for a rider to bring their right leg over the cantle of an English or Western saddle, the rider can dismount by bringing their right leg over the horse’s withers towards the crest of the horse’s neck.

1. The horse is brought into a safe dismounting position, preferably on soft ground.
2. A leader, (volunteer) stands at the head of the horse, and another on the offside.
3. The practitioner stands close beside the horse on the nearside (right side).
4. The dismount is explained to the rider, who does not take hold of the reins.
5. The leader standing at the head of the horse is in charge of keeping the horse calm and in position.
6. When everyone is ready, the volunteer on the offside lifts the right leg over the withers in front of the saddle.
7. The practitioner, who has their right hand around the rider’s back, takes hold of the right leg above the ankle joint and gently brings it carefully across the withers and crest of the horse. During this maneuver, the rider is slowly turned towards the practitioner while still sitting on the saddle.

From here on there are two possible methods of dismounting a challenged rider to the ground,

Flipping over technique

Slide down technique

The “Flipping Over” technique is particularly useful for younger physically disabled riders, who may need to come down from the horse directly into a wheelchair. If this is necessary, then dismount may require five persons. There will be a volunteer at the head of the horse and Another on the offside to pass the rider’s leg over the crest of the horse neck. On the receiving side there may be two people for a possible complete body lift, and another volunteer in charge of the wheelchair. The practitioner decides how much help they need for the dismount. It will depend on the age, size and weight of the rider. If the rider is too heavy, or too disabled, for the practitioner to manage alone, then the extra person is used for the complete body lift from the horse, and back into their wheelchair.

The Flipping Over of the Rider’s Pelvis Technique

Once the rider is in the sitting position on the horse and their legs are parallel, the practitioner threads their right hand and arm through the rider’s legs just below the rider’s knees.
Then with their left hand, the practitioner flips the rider’s pelvis so that they are now lying on their stomach on the saddle of the horse. The rider is then slid to the ground.
The practitioner controls the dismount by placing their feet in a position that protects the rider from slipping underneath the horse’s belly.

For a flip over dismount into a wheelchair.

The volunteer brings a waiting wheelchair closer to the nearside of the horse and stands it at right angles to the horse’s belly.
The volunteer must ensure that the wheelchair is not so far forward that it is almost under the horse. (I suggest that the brakes are not engaged, then the wheelchair can be moved quickly into the best position to receive the rider).

The practitioner, after sliding the rider off the horse on their stomach, tries to ensure that the rider goes down into their wheelchair as their feet touch the ground. For this to happen safely, I suggest that using the help of the extra volunteer to assist the practitioner.
Once the rider is safely in the wheelchair, and if they are able, the rider should pat the horse to say thank you for the ride, before the horse leaves the area.

The Sliding Down the Side of the Horse Technique

This is a useful technique for dismounting more elderly riders who may be intellectually impaired. In this type of dismount, the practitioner should ensure that the rider’s clothes are kept in position, and that modesty is maintained. Sometimes the riders need a lot of reassurance to dismount, and therefore I suggest that one takes a deep breath and goes about it slowly. Again, the number of volunteers used in this procedure will depend upon the ability of the rider. The practitioner may require 3-4 persons assisting the dismount.

The volunteer on the offside of the horse moves the rider’s right leg across to the nearside of the horse. If there is a volunteer helping on the nearside of the horse, they will take the riders right arm and hand and slowly bring them also towards the nearside of the horse and, if possible, towards the riders left thigh. If the rider understands instructions, they can be asked to look towards the volunteer on the nearside.

The practitioner, who is standing very close to the horse, braces their back and bends their knees in a stable position ready to perform the dismount. They will then place their right arm around the riders back, whilst asking the rider to place their left arm around the practitioner’s shoulder. This provides extra support for the rider’s upper body and prevents them falling backwards.
The practitioner reaches their left arm across the rider’s body to receive the rider’s right leg. The aim here is for the practitioner to hold the rider in a way that they keep them safe, whilst also trying to bring both the riders legs together in preparation for the dismount. The practitioner initiates the dismount by rotating the rider’s body as much as they are able, in order to land safely between the practitioner’s braced legs. If possible, the rider dismounts to the ground at approximately right angles to the horse’s body.

The danger with this dismount is:

The rider may instinctively want to take hold of the horn on the western saddle or the pommel of an English saddle. This protective action causes resistance in the dismount and makes it very uncomfortable and even dangerous. Holding the front of the saddle for fear of falling, while having their other arm around the shoulders of the practitioner, and sliding before they are in the optimum position for dismount, can put the left arm and shoulder out of joint and cause excessive strain on the spinal cord.
The rider will not be able to slide in the correct sideway fashion, rather they will come down with their back against the side of the horse. Landing badly, they will put pressure on all parts of their body.
If the practitioner, or person actually dismounting the rider is very tall, this could put the dismounting rider in a position where their left arm that is around the practitioner/ person’s shoulder would be stretching upwards as they dismounted. In this position, the rider’s arm is left behind, in the upward position, which could cause pain or even dislocation from the shoulder cuff.
When the rider’s right arm is stretched upwards during a fast/sudden dismount, as they land, two ribs can touch for a moment causing extreme pain.

All dismounts must be done as slowly as possible so that the rider does not land heavily on their feet. Landing heavily on one’s feet can cause a bone fracture or ankle dislocation.

Assisted Mounting from a Mounting Block in the Arena

The method of mounting is the same as from the ground, except:

The rider stands on a solid, immovable mounting block which is built with two or three steps.
The mounting block is placed beside the horse, not underneath the horse, but rather parallel to the belly of the horse.
The practitioner also stands on the steps for dismount, one step below the rider so that they can put their arm around the waist of the rider to protect them. They then boost the rider on to the horse while, at the same time, holding the rider’s right leg to take it over the back/croup of the horse with the assistance of the volunteer on the offside.

Assisted Dismounting in the Arena

In almost every situation, even if the ramp mounting block is used, the rider dismounts to the ground. There are only a few situations, or some specific disabilities, that need to return to the ramp mounting block or mounting block in the arena for dismount.

Always make sure the horse is in a safe position for dismount, that every person assisting knows what their job is, and that the rider is instructed how to dismount.
If possible, the rider is asked to take the reins in the left hand.
The rider is assisted as both feet are taken out of the stirrups.
The rider looks towards the right ear of the horse.
The rider bends forward from the waist, with the assistance of the practitioner who has their left arm around the rider’s waist, and the right arm on their back ready to take the riders right leg as it passes over the back/croup of the horse.
With the help of the volunteer side walker on the offside, the rider brings their right leg across the back of the horse, not touching the croup or saddle cantle.
From the nearside of the horse, the practitioner supports the rider by placing their left arm and hand around the waist of the rider. In this position the practitioner is able to take hold of the rider’s leg below the knee joint and above the ankle joint and lift it across the back of the horse to bring it parallel to the left leg.
With the practitioner’s arms around the body of the rider they try for a moment to rest the rider’s body against the saddle of the horse.
Getting the rider in the best position and putting their own left foot parallel to the horse’s belly, the practitioner bends their knees while holding the rider who has both legs held together, while sliding off the horse.
The rider must land lightly on the ground and if possible, facing the front of the horse. (This is only possible when the rider can take their own weight on the saddle, otherwise the practitioner must ensure that the rider cannot slide under the horse by blocking the way with their left foot).

Assisted Mounting Procedure at the Ramp Mounting Block

Today, knowledge of manual mounting is part of good EAA/T practice.

Over many years of practice, I can say that it is not uncommon to injure one’s back or another part of the boy, and overestimate one’s ability. Knowing good practice is essential, as it will keep the rider, practitioner and the horse safe. Even if we are using a lift today for assisted mounting, we never forget that it is our responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe.

Lift transfer is the best way for riders who would have needed a full body lift in the past, which would have involved two persons making the lift. The method of mounting described below is for someone who is in a wheelchair and can stand with support. Perhaps they are hemiplegic, or have multiple sclerosis, or another physical injury.

Note: Requirements for Horses Chosen for Ramp Mounting:

The horse should

Have a strong back and should stand 14.2 -15.3 hands tall for adults that are wheelchair bound and have hemiplegia.
Have a good temperament.
Be trained to stand at the mounting block.
Accept a leader and side walkers standing at their head and sides, and perhaps a wheelchair on a ramp above.
Accept any type of saddle or special equipment.
Accept the electric lift and any noise it may make.

Ramp Mounting Procedure

Only one person should be in charge of a ramp mounting, giving everyone their job, but it is the team effort that gets a disabled rider into a good position on the saddle, ready for moving off from the mounting block and enjoying a riding session.

4-5 persons at the mounting block are needed at a ramp mounting for wheelchair users who can stand with support.
The rider is brought onto the ramp by the practitioner and is told how they are going to be mounted onto the back of the horse. They are never left alone for any reason on the ramp.
Once the wheelchair is on top of the ramp, the brakes are applied.
The horse is led into the ramp mounting area by a leader

1. It is lined up beside the ramp, and as close as possible to it. Leading the horse from the nearside, the leader turns the horses head slightly in the direction on the ramp. Then, as the horse comes alongside the ramp, the leader straightens the horse so that its body comes parallel to the ramp and as close as possible.The leader does this by moving their position so that they are standing in front of the horse’s head.
2. To make this maneuver easier, the side walker who stands on the offside is already in place and can act as a wall to keep the horse as close as possible to the ramp.
3. In some EAA/T centers there are two walls and the horse comes in between them. Clearly, in these cases, the side walker cannot stand at the side.

The horse stands beside the ramp, balanced on all four legs.
If the side walker is not already in place, then they come to stand on the offside to receive the rider.
The rider is lifted out of the wheelchair by the practitioner, who encourages the rider to put their arms around their neck. With the help of a volunteer standing behind the rider in the wheelchair, they are able to lift the rider from the wheelchair.

The practitioner holds the rider close to their body and makes a maneuver that turns them both so that the rider’s back is facing the horse.
Slowly, together, they take a step or two towards the horse. (The practitioner moves forward and the rider backwards)
Then, with extra support from a volunteer who is also standing on the ramp, and the volunteer on the offside of the horse, the rider is placed onto the horse’s back.
The rider is guided into position over the center of the saddle by the volunteer on the offside.
The extra volunteer on the ramp helps lift the rider’s legs as they are moved across the withers and crest of the horse into a position for riding.
The practitioner has their left hand on the rider’s legs, while their right hand remains around the rider’s back in order to prevent them from falling backwards. The volunteer on the opposite side also assists the rider by supporting their back, and helping to take some of the weight of their legs as they pass across the crest of the horse’s neck.
When the rider’s legs are lifted up and over the horse’s neck, they are separated for the riding position. It is important not to separate the legs until they are actually over the center of the saddle, and even more important not to force the legs down into the riding position.
Once the horse is moving, the rider’s legs become less spastic and will fall naturally into position.

Once the rider has mounted, the horse is moved away from the ramp by the leader who turns the horses head outwards.
Turning the horse’s head outwards prevents the rider’s inside leg being caught on the side of the ramp.
The horse moves into the arena, stops, and all the equipment is rechecked again.
The rider’s position is also rechecked to see if they are sitting in the center of the saddle. If they are riding without a saddle, the same must apply in order to check that they are sitting centered on the saddle cloth/numnah.
The horse then moves forward for the session, once all the volunteers are in place for their role beside the horse.
Only after the horse has left the mounting ramp can the wheelchair be removed, because the movement and noise of removing the wheelchair may startle the horse.

To note: Some hemiplegic riders need to mount from the opposite side of the horse. In these cases, the horse will come into the mounting block the other way around. The volunteer stands on the offside, which would be the right side of the horse.

Electric Lift Transfer: Ramp Mounting

Today there are many different types of electric hoists to help disabled riders mount with ease and dignity onto a horse. Riders can easily be transferred from a wheelchair / chair on the ground or from a ramp to the horse. Lift mounting is a healthier method of mounting than manual mounting, for the person who is performing the mounting and for the rider!

It is important to understand the lift you are using and to know and experience the lift yourself.
Only horses that have been trained for lift mounting should be used. At first, they should be trained to receive able bodied riders from the lift.

My favorite hoist was the one I saw in the Netherlands and now use in Israel. This is made of a soft material, where the person sits inside a canvas bag/sling with their arms and legs out in a natural position. This hoist lifts a rider easily and can be removed very quickly and safely before the horse moves off.

Lift mounting is dignified and can give a sense of independence and security.

Benefits and Contraindications of Lift Transfer

The benefit of the sling version does not endanger the rider’s body in any way, and makes the rider feel they are being carried gently in a person’s arms. The sling version is suitable for all types of riders.
Metal support electric lifts are not suitable for riders who have weak backs, scoliosis and are unable to lift their arms up into a normal position. For many, they would not have the power, range of motion or coordination to hold the metal frame and be hoisted onto the horse.

Electric Lift Mounting Transfer Technique

Like all other methods of mounting, it is a team event with one person in charge.
The practitioner in charge gives everyone their job, and ensures they understand what is going to take place during the mount.
The horse is prepared for the rider and mounting.
The lift is checked to see that the battery has been charged. (Battery charged lifts should be attached to the electricity all the time so that they are ready for any mount).
If it is the first time that a rider is asked to use the lift, they must be given the opportunity of a demonstration, how they will be placed in the sling, and how they will get onto the horse.
For lift mounting, it is possible to mount from the ground or ramp mount. For a ramp mount a volunteer brings the rider in their wheelchair onto the top of the ramp.
The volunteer then applies the wheelchair brakes.
The lift canvas sling is then slid into place under the rider’s buttocks. (A tip here is if the rider needs to go to the toilet before the ride, during this time the sling can already be put into place on their wheelchair.
Once in position, the lift straps, which are attached to the motor system, are fixed.
Then the horse is brought beside the ramp when the rider is ready and is sitting in the lift sling.
The horse should stand quietly and balanced on all four legs, ready to receive the rider and in a position that allows the rider to be transferred directly from the lift onto the center of the horse’s back.
The rider is slowly lowered into the riding position over the horse’s center of gravity on to the back.
During this maneuver the volunteer on the offside receives the rider, guiding them, and especially their legs, across the back of the horse.
Once the rider is in place on the horse’s back, the front attachments of the sling are removed first so that the rider’s arms are free, then this is followed by the rear straps.
The sling slipped away from underneath the rider’s body. It is pulled away from behind the rider and over the back of the horse.
Once free of the lift, the rider’s body position is rechecked to see if they are comfortable and centered on the horse’s back. (Any further adjustments are done away from the mounting block).
The reins are freed for the rider’s use.
The leader moves the head of the horse slightly outwards into the arena.
The horse takes a few steps into the arena, and the side walkers come into place, standing on either side of the horse and opposite the rider’s body.
The girth strap is rechecked. It will also be rechecked again after 5 minutes of the ride. (Always remember to remind the leader that the girth strap is going to be checked, in case it is ticklish for the horse).
The rider’s position is rechecked, and then the ride can begin.

To note, some ambulant riders require the support of a lift mount because they cannot open their legs wide enough for regular mounting and feel safer in a lift mount than a manual front leg over mount. They can mount from the ground or ramp sitting in a chair.

Dismount Following an Electric Lift Transfer Mounting.

All severely disabled riders who have used either manual or electric lift mounting can find it nerve-racking and awkward to dismount, especially if they have very little control over their bodies.

The Method

The horse is brought into a safe position for dismount, preferably on a soft surface, rubber matting, or a surface on which a wheelchair can maneuver freely.
The leader stands in front of the horse’s head holding the head collar and keeping the horse calm.
If the rider is holding the reins, they release them.
The side walker on the offside is in position to lift the rider’s right leg forward over the horse’s body, towards the neck of the horse.
The practitioner on the receiving side for dismount, puts their arms around the rider, ready to receive both the rider’s legs and body so that they can lift the rider from the horse into the wheelchair. As said previously, depending on the rider’s size, age and degree of impairment, the dismount may require the practitioner and another volunteer to do a full body lift. One person will take the rider’s legs, while the practitioner will take hold of the rider’s upper body. The rider is then lifted from the horse to the wheelchair.
The waiting volunteer who is in charge of the wheelchair makes sure the brakes are released so that they can bring the wheelchair into a position ready to receive the rider.
The volunteer with the wheelchair must be watching the rider and horse all the time, as well as listening to any instructions.
Once the rider is in the wheelchair, the practitioner checks to see that they are in their most comfortable position, and that the wheelchair is in a safe space beside the horse.
If possible, the rider should then have the opportunity to pat the horse and say thank you.

Problems that may occur…

In situations where the rider is too heavy for the practitioner to dismount them alone, they must ask for help, and make sure that the person assisting them knows how to help with a full body lift. If the lift from the horse is not in unison, the rider and others may be harmed.
The horse may move during dismount.
The wheelchair must be away from the horse’s legs.
The horse must be trained to accept this type of dismount with several people leaning over their body
The volunteer in charge of the wheelchair must make sure it does not get too close to the horse, causing them to step back or sideways during the procedure. If the horse knocks the side of the wheelchair, they may be startled, and the situation could become dangerous.

To note: Some riders are concerned that they are not achieving the normal method of mounting and dismounting. Rarely, would a severely disabled rider be able to bring their right leg behind their body for mounting or dismounting. Once they experience the comfort of mounting by sitting on the back of the horse and just bringing a leg over the front, they seem to cope and even enjoy the ease of the method. In practice, trying to achieve bringing the leg over the croup could be very painful and in some cases impossible.

In the same way, dismounting for a severely disabled rider is much easier if their leg is brought over the crest of the horse. This method will not cause pressure or misalign the rider’s spinal cord. If a complete body lift is needed it is important to make the lift from the horse with the rider’s body maintaining a relatively straight line from the rider’s head down the shoulders and back as well as the hips, knees and feet. Misalignment during dismount may impair the rider’s range of movement, cause pain and affect their quality of life.

Conclusion

To come full circle, mounting and dismounting can be dangerous and must be carefully and slowly executed during the riding session. For safety, it is essential that there is one person in charge, and that everyone knows their job. The environment must be safe, and the atmosphere calm, with as little distraction as possible. The practitioner who is in charge, chooses a safe horse whose personality and ability will be suitable for the mounting or dismounting chosen. The spoken language and the nonverbal aspects of mounting and dismounting must be done slowly, , quietly and and with kindness. All those who take part in mounting and dismounting techniques for the challenged rider , must resist stress, breathe deeply and think positively.

Onward and upward!

Mounting and Dismounting Procedures

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