You mount a horse from the left side because of deep-rooted historical traditions tied to weaponry, chivalry, and practicality. This practice, known as the left side mounting tradition, is a standard in equestrian circles today, ensuring the safety when mounting a horse and following long-held customs of understanding horse etiquette.
The Deep Roots of Left-Side Mounting
For centuries, riders have swung up onto their horses from the left. This is not random. It stems from a time when a rider’s safety and ability to fight were crucial. This tradition has lasted because it works well for the saddling procedure for horses and general handling.
Weaponry and the Right Hand Dominance
The primary reason for mounting from the left lies with the sword. Most people, especially knights and soldiers throughout history, were right-handed.
Swords Worn on the Left Hip
Knights usually wore their swords hanging on the left side of their body. This placement allowed the dominant right hand to draw the sword quickly across the body.
If a rider tried to mount from the right side, they would swing their right leg over the horse’s back. This movement would catch the sword scabbard. The sword might get stuck, or the motion could cause the rider to lose balance. Swinging the leg over the left side kept the sword clear. This allowed for a smooth, quick mount.
Maintaining Readiness
A soldier needed to be ready for anything. If an enemy suddenly attacked while the rider was preparing to mount, drawing the sword quickly was vital. Mounting from the left kept the right hand free and the weapon easily accessible. This was essential for survival in dangerous times.
The Influence of Chivalry and Etiquette
Beyond fighting, social rules also played a part in establishing the left side mounting tradition.
Keeping the Sword Side Away from Others
When people gathered, they often stood close together. Mounting from the right would swing the sword side toward any nearby person standing on the horse’s right. This was seen as impolite, if not aggressive. Mounting from the left kept the sword side pointed away from companions or bystanders. This simple act showed respect and good manners, forming a key part of understanding horse etiquette.
The Role of Page or Groom
In earlier times, a squire or groom often held the horse steady while the noble mounted. This helper usually stood on the left side. It was easier for the helper to manage the reins and the horse with their left hand while assisting the rider with their right. This cooperative horse mounting technique favored the left side.
Practicality: Why the Left Side Still Makes Sense
Even though most modern riders do not carry swords, the tradition persists. This is because the left side offers significant practical advantages for the ease of mounting a horse.
Tack and Saddle Consistency
Saddles are designed with the rider’s comfort and security in mind. While a saddle can technically be used from either side, its construction often favors the left.
Stirrup Placement
Stirrups are often positioned slightly favoring the left leg. Furthermore, girths and billets (the straps holding the saddle on) are usually arranged so that buckling is easiest when performed from the left side. While not always the case, many traditional saddling procedure for horses methods lead to the left stirrup being the one adjusted first or most readily available.
The Off-Side for Adjustments
When a rider dismounts, they often need to check the saddle or the girth. If the rider always gets off on the left, the right side (the “off-side”) remains untouched. This allows for quick checks of the cinch or rigging without bothering the rider who just dismounted. This symmetry aids in the overall management of the horse.
Horse Behavior and Training
Horses are creatures of habit. They prefer consistency in how they are handled.
Herd Mentality and Handling
In many contexts, handlers approach and lead horses from the left side. This is often called “working from the near side.” Because leading happens from the left, it feels natural for the horse to expect the rider to approach and mount from that same side. Consistency reduces stress for the animal. This ties directly into proper side to mount a horse training.
Avoiding Startle Responses
If a rider suddenly tries to mount from the right, it might surprise the horse, especially one that is accustomed to being handled from the left. A startled horse can cause issues with safety when mounting a horse. Therefore, sticking to the left keeps the horse calm and predictable.
The Mechanics of the Mount: Technique Matters
A correct horse mounting technique relies on specific steps, regardless of whether a mounting block use is involved.
Steps for Mounting from the Left
The process is standardized for efficiency and safety.
- Approach: Walk up to the horse’s left side, facing the horse’s rear.
- Grip: Hold the reins firmly in your left hand, keeping the horse steady. Use your right hand to grip the front of the saddle or the pommel, ensuring you have a secure hold.
- Stirrup Placement: Place your left foot firmly into the left stirrup.
- Push Up: Use your right hand on the saddle for balance. Push up with your left leg, driving your weight upward.
- Swing Over: Swing your right leg smoothly over the horse’s back and rump. This movement must be fluid to avoid kicking the horse.
- Settle Down: Gently sit down into the saddle, using your right leg to steady your descent.
The Importance of Balance
The key to mounting is momentum and balance. Swinging the leg over from the left allows the rider to use their body weight to propel themselves upward and across in one controlled motion. Attempting this from the right side, while possible, disrupts this natural center of gravity shift against the sword-side placement tradition.
What About Right-Handed vs. Left-Handed Horse Mounting?
Does being left-handed vs right-handed horse mounting truly matter today? While personal handedness affects many tasks, mounting is dictated by tradition and safety, not primary hand use.
Most riders are right-handed. If a right-handed person mounts from the left, their dominant right hand is free to manage the reins or adjust the saddle skirt slightly as they swing their leg over. If they were to mount from the right, their sword-side (left) would be facing the horse’s side, and their dominant right hand might awkwardly interfere with the motion or gear.
Even left-handed individuals are strongly encouraged to learn mounting from the left. This ensures they follow the established protocols for shared riding facilities, trail riding etiquette, and interacting with other riders and trainers who expect the left-side approach. Deviating from this norm can lead to confusion or perceived rudeness in group settings.
When Deviation Occurs: Mounting from the Right
Can you mount a horse from the right? Yes, you certainly can. However, it is often discouraged unless there is a very specific reason.
Situations Requiring Right-Side Mounting
There are times when mounting from the right is necessary or safer:
- Injury or Disability: If a rider has a severe injury to their left leg or hip, mounting from the right might be the only physically possible way to get on.
- Obstacles: If the left side is blocked by a wall, deep ditch, or other impassable barrier, the right side becomes the practical choice.
- Specific Training: Some advanced disciplines or therapy riding programs might occasionally work on right-side mounting to promote flexibility in handling, but this is unusual for general riding.
When mounting from the right, riders must be acutely aware of the sword-side position, even if they don’t carry one. They must ensure they swing their left leg over smoothly, paying close attention not to bump the horse’s right flank or step on the reins.
The Role of the Mounting Block
The mounting block use standardizes the process and improves ease of mounting a horse, especially for shorter riders or those with stiff joints.
Benefits of Using a Block
A mounting block effectively lowers the distance the rider must lift their leg. This makes the entire horse mounting technique much easier and safer.
- Reduced Strain: Less strain on the rider’s back and hip.
- Horse Comfort: The horse is less likely to shift weight or move when the rider has a stable platform to work from.
- Consistent Height: Ensures the rider achieves the correct saddle position every time, which is vital for proper contact and control.
Crucially, mounting blocks are always placed near the horse’s left shoulder. This keeps the entire mounting procedure aligned with the tradition of approaching from the left.
Deciphering Horse Etiquette: The Unspoken Rules
In the equestrian world, adherence to tradition is often seen as a sign of respect for the animal and the sport itself.
Consistency Equals Trust
For a horse, consistency builds trust. When you always approach, groom, saddle, and mount from the same side, the horse anticipates your actions. This predictability lowers its anxiety. This is fundamental to understanding horse etiquette from the horse’s perspective.
Herd Dynamics and Social Positioning
In a group setting, knowing the proper side to mount a horse prevents awkward interactions. If everyone mounts from the left, mounting from the right can disrupt the flow, potentially causing a domino effect of horses moving as riders try to maneuver around each other.
| Action | Traditional Side | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Leading/Handling | Left (Near Side) | Consistency in control |
| Mounting/Dismounting | Left | Sword clearance; tradition |
| Bridling/Saddling | Left | Allows right hand access to adjustments |
| Approaching Horse | From Front or Left Shoulder | Avoid startling the horse |
Summary of Historical and Practical Drivers
The choice to mount from the left is a fusion of military history, social grace, and practical physics.
- Historical Necessity: Clearing the sword worn on the left hip for quick drawing by the right hand.
- Social Norms: Avoiding accidental aggression by keeping the weapon side away from others.
- Practicality: Aligning with the tradition of handling the horse (the near side) from the left, ensuring smooth operation during the saddling procedure for horses.
- Horse Comfort: Maintaining consistency to keep the horse calm and predictable.
Even today, when learning the horse mounting technique, instructors universally teach the left-side mount. It is a tradition deeply ingrained in equestrian culture that prioritizes both history and rider safety when mounting a horse. It simplifies the process, making the ease of mounting a horse a matter of routine rather than conscious thought.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it physically harder to mount from the left if I am left-handed?
A: While some initial muscle memory might feel strange, the physical mechanics of mounting are dictated by the need to swing one leg over the back. Being left-handed does not change the need to clear the traditional weapon side (the left side), so most riders, regardless of handedness, learn to mount from the left for consistency and tradition.
Q: Do western and English riders mount from different sides?
A: No. Both English and Western disciplines adhere strictly to mounting from the left side. This uniformity is critical for understanding horse etiquette across all styles of riding.
Q: What is the “near side” of a horse?
A: The near side is the horse’s left side. This is the side from which you typically approach, groom, lead, and mount the horse. The right side is called the “off-side.”
Q: Can a horse be trained to accept mounting from the right side reliably?
A: Yes, any horse can be trained to accept mounting from the right, provided the rider is patient and consistent. However, if you ride many different horses, it is best to stick to the left side unless explicitly asked to do otherwise. Inconsistent mounting can confuse the horse.
Q: How does the mounting block use relate to the left-side tradition?
A: Mounting blocks are positioned next to the horse’s left shoulder to support the left-side mounting procedure. Using the block makes the left-side mount safer and easier for the rider.