It is almost guaranteed that every boy, at some point, wanted to be a cowboy. The thought of hopping on your trusty steed and riding off into the sunset is too perfect a dream to ignore. Learning how to ride a horse well, though, can take years. It involves understanding the nuances of a horse’s behavior and how your own behavior communicates your intent to them. But, with a few basics you can certainly get at least a taste of that childhood dream. The first step? Getting on.
Here’s how to mount up.
1: Grab both reins and a handful of the horse’s mane with your left hand.
2: Facing the rear of the horse, rotate the stirrup clockwise to face you.
3: Lift your left leg and position the ball of your left foot into the stirrup.
4: Turn to face the saddle and reach up to grab the cantle (the back of the saddle) with your right hand.
5: Spring off your right leg and stand up with your left leg. Don’t pull yourself up by your arms, as it can alter the saddle’s position.
6: Swing your right leg over the horse and settle into the saddle, finding the other stirrup with your right foot.
Like this illustrated guide? Then you’re going to love our book The Illustrated Art of Manliness! Pick up a copy on Amazon.
Submitted by: Jimmy A. Brown in Athens, Ga., USA
