When Your Horse Won't Stand Still for Mounting
Rider Inadvertently Kicks Horse
If the rider isn't careful about putting their foot in the stirrup with the toe pointing either frontwards or backward, they may dig their toe into the horse's ribs on the way up. The horse may take this as a cue to move forward. Use a mounting block to make getting on easier.
Rider Hangs on Reins
Be sure you're not using your reins to anchor yourself as you mount. You should have contact on the horse's mouth, but the reins need to be loose enough that they’re not cueing the horse to back up.
Evading Work
It's not unusual for horses to anticipate the work they have ahead of them and protest by making it difficult for the rider to mount. If all other reasons have been ruled out, a little retraining will be required. An assistant can be helpful to prevent the horse from backing up or swinging out. The horse should stand quietly when in hand. If the horse moves forward, be ready to ask it to halt. The horse shouldn't circle around you.
Another person can be helpful to ask the horse to stand quietly from the ground. Make the horse stand still as you put your toe in the stirrup. Once the horse stands for that, start putting some weight in the stirrup. Then lift yourself straight up, with your full weight in the stirrup. Your horse should stand still for each step. Don't rush the steps—be sure the horse is 100 percent obedient before moving on. Finally, you should be able to sit in the saddle. Be sure if your horse seems inclined to move once you're on, that you gently check his forward motion.
Rider Laziness
It's really easy to get into the habit of letting your horse walk off before you are truly organized in the saddle. If your horse moves off as soon as your backside is in the saddle, you'll be re-enforcing a bad habit. Be sure you ask your horse to halt and stand quietly while you settle yourself and prepare to ride. Be sure to do this each and every time your ride as it's very easy for both of you to slip back into the habit.
