Why do you mount a horse on the left side? People usually mount a horse from the left side because of historical traditions dating back to when most people carried swords on their left hip. Mounting from the left allowed the right-handed rider to keep their sword hand free and avoid knocking the weapon against the horse or saddle.
This long-held practice is more than just a simple preference; it is deeply rooted in the history of warfare, the design of riding gear, and established horse riding etiquette. The simple act of mounting a horse from the left reflects centuries of practical necessity. Even today, when swords are long gone, the tradition of mounting left remains the standard in almost all equestrian disciplines.
The Deep Roots of Left-Side Mounting History
To truly grasp why mount left side, we must look back many hundreds of years. Before saddles were common, riding was quite basic. Early riders often just draped blankets or hides over the horse’s back. As time went on, saddles became necessary. These saddles provided better stability for the rider.
Swords and the Dominant Hand
The most important reason relates to weapons. Most people are right-handed. When knights and cavalrymen wore swords, they wore them on the left side. This kept the sword close to the dominant hand for a quick draw.
If a soldier tried to mount from the right, two problems arose:
- Clash with the Scabbard: The right leg swinging over would hit the sword scabbard hanging on the left side. This movement was awkward and slowed down the process.
- Weapon Retention: More importantly, swinging the leg over from the right could accidentally pull the sword partially out of its sheath. This was a huge danger in a military setting.
Mounting a horse from the left solved this. It kept the sword on the opposite side of the leg swinging over. The rider’s right hand remained free to hold the reins or steady themselves without interference. This small detail was vital for quick readiness in battle or even just moving around camp.
Early Saddling Up Practices
Early saddling up involved simpler equipment, but the orientation remained crucial. When stirrups became common additions—a huge technological leap in riding—the side from which one mounted became even more fixed.
Stirrups provide a stable platform for the mounting process. If a rider tried to mount from the right, they would often have to awkwardly adjust the heavy stirrup leather or risk damaging the equipment. The established way meant both stirrups hung correctly on the left side for the right foot to easily find its place.
Equipment Design and Saddle Placement
The way saddles are made today still supports the left-side mounting standard. This is clear when looking at the design elements of modern and historical riding gear.
Asymmetrical Saddle Features
While many modern saddles appear symmetrical, historically and functionally, they are designed with the left side in mind.
Saddle Placement involves ensuring the girth (the strap that goes under the horse’s belly) is tight enough. A good girth needs to be adjusted correctly before riding. If a rider mounts from the right, they put stress on the girth buckle or rigging that is often positioned slightly differently on the left side for easier access by the right-handed rider making final checks.
The Role of the Horn (Where Applicable)
On Western saddles, the horn is a prominent feature. While not used for mounting, its placement influences general horse handling. The entire rig is set up expecting the rider to approach from the horse’s left side. This is where the rider has the best visual line to check the cinch (girth) tightness and bridle fit.
Horse Handling and Training Standards
The consistency of left side mounting history has cemented itself into how we train both riders and horses. Good horse handling relies on predictable actions.
Training Consistency
From the very first lesson, instructors teach riders to approach the horse from the left shoulder and mount from the left. This consistency is crucial for several reasons:
- Horse Comfort: Horses are creatures of habit. Approaching from the left and mounting from the left teaches the horse to expect that action. Approaching from the right can sometimes startle a trained horse because it is an unusual direction for major actions like mounting or dismounting.
- Safety: A predictable approach reduces the chance of spooking. If a horse is nervous, doing things on its blind side (the rear flanks) can cause a quick reaction. Always using the left side for mounting keeps the rider in a position where they can monitor the horse’s head and ears.
Dismounting a Horse Gracefully
The act of dismounting a horse also follows the left-side rule, completing the cycle. A rider typically swings their right leg over the back of the saddle, lands on the left side, and allows the horse to stand quietly. If a rider were to dismount to the right, it would again be awkward due to the presence of the off-side rigging and the need to keep the horse still.
Etiquette and Tradition in the Saddle World
Today, while swords are absent, the rules of horse riding etiquette still dictate mounting procedure. Following these rules shows respect for the animal and other riders.
Social Norms in Equestrian Circles
In formal settings, like dressage arenas or during group trail rides, mounting on the right is seen as poor form. It suggests the rider lacks basic training or respect for established norms.
Think of it like shaking hands. You almost always use your right hand. In equestrianism, interacting with the horse requires using the established “right side” for the most critical actions—which, for mounting, means approaching from the left.
Table 1: Reasons for Mounting Left Side
| Historical Era | Primary Reason | Modern Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Medieval Warfare | Sword carried on the left hip. | Maintains smooth, predictable horse handling. |
| Early Saddlery | Stirrup and rigging placement favored left approach. | Adherence to horse riding etiquette. |
| Training Standards | Consistency ensures horse comfort and safety. | Standardized horse mounting techniques globally. |
The “Off Side” Terminology
In equestrian language, the right side of the horse is often called the “off side.” This terminology itself reinforces the left side as the “near side”—the side from which work is typically done. Approaching the near side for saddling up and mounting is standard procedure.
Deciphering the Mechanics of Horse Mounting Techniques
The mechanics of getting into the saddle are standardized because they are the safest and most efficient horse mounting techniques.
Step-by-Step Left Mounting
A proper mounting sequence, done from the left, flows smoothly:
- Approach: Walk up to the horse’s left shoulder.
- Hold Reins: Secure a firm but gentle hold on the reins or the mane, keeping the horse stationary.
- Mounting Foot: Place the left foot securely into the stirrup iron.
- Push Off: Use the left leg strength to push upward while holding the saddle horn or pommel for balance.
- Swing Leg Over: Swing the right leg smoothly over the cantle (the back edge of the saddle). Avoid kicking the horse’s rump.
- Settle In: Gently sit down into the seat, ensuring the saddle blanket or pad has not bunched up.
If someone attempts to mount from the right, they must perform a complicated series of movements that often lead to instability or placing unintended pressure on the horse’s back.
The Influence of Left-Handed Riders
Even left-handed riders are generally taught to mount from the left. This uniformity across all riders is essential for group safety and consistency in shared riding spaces. While a left-handed person might naturally prefer drawing a sword with their left hand, the rigging requirement (sword on the left hip) dictated the mounting side for everyone, right or left-handed.
Examining Exceptions and Modern Contexts
While the left side is the rule, are there times when mounting a horse from the left is impossible or impractical? Yes, but these are usually exceptions dictated by the immediate environment.
Ground Obstacles
If the ground slopes steeply, and the high side offers a better platform, a rider might safely choose the high side, even if it is the right side. For instance, if you are on a trail next to a sheer drop-off, you would mount toward the uphill side for security. This is a safety exception, not a change in tradition.
Horse Training Specifics
In very rare cases, perhaps due to an injury sustained by the horse on its left side, a trainer might temporarily teach a rider to mount from the right for rehabilitation purposes. However, this is usually a temporary fix.
Adaptive Riding
For riders with specific physical disabilities, adaptive equipment or specialized mounting blocks might allow them to safely mount from the right side if necessary. Even then, the principle of minimizing stress on the horse remains paramount.
The Physics of Balance During Mounting
There is a subtle physical reason why the left side is preferred, relating to saddle placement and the horse’s natural posture.
Horses naturally carry slightly more weight and muscle mass on their left side (due to how they stand and move). Placing the rider’s weight onto the left stirrup first—which happens naturally when mounting from the left—aligns better with the horse’s inherent balance structure during that moment of transition.
When you push off the ground with your left foot, your weight briefly shifts directly over the center line of the horse, supported by the left stirrup. Swinging the right leg over then moves the rest of the weight evenly onto the seat.
If you try to mount from the right, the initial weight shift occurs on the right stirrup. This can cause a slight, sharp lateral shift of weight that the horse feels more acutely on its weaker or less weighted side, leading to discomfort or small movements that disrupt the mounting process.
Fathoming the Legacy of Tradition
Why stick to this rule when no one carries swords anymore? The answer lies in the power of ingrained custom and horse riding etiquette.
Standardization for Safety
In activities involving powerful animals, standardization equals safety. If everyone does the same thing in the same order, the animal becomes accustomed to the routine, and human errors decrease. Imagine a stable where half the riders mount left and half mount right—it creates unpredictable chaos for the horses and the staff managing them.
Global Consistency
The tradition of mounting left is remarkably consistent across cultures that ride horses, from the European dressage world to the American West and Australian outback. This global standard makes international travel and collaboration easier within equestrian communities. If you travel to ride in a new country, you automatically know the expected way to approach and mount your temporary mount.
The next time you see someone mounting a horse from the left, remember it is not arbitrary. It is a salute to centuries of military history, practical engineering, and good manners in the saddle. It is a perfect example of how historical necessities shape modern routines, ensuring safety and respect in horse handling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it strictly forbidden to mount a horse from the right side?
No, it is not strictly forbidden, but it goes against long-standing horse riding etiquette. It is generally discouraged in formal settings and can sometimes confuse or slightly discomfort a horse that is trained only for left side mounting history.
Q2: Does the type of saddle (Western vs. English) change the mounting side?
No. Both Western and English saddles adhere to the rule of mounting a horse from the left. The historical reasoning regarding sword placement applies regardless of the saddle style.
Q3: How does mounting from the left affect the saddle placement stability?
Mounting from the left helps maintain optimal saddle placement because the rigging and girth are often adjusted with the left side in mind for the rider’s final checks before setting off. It ensures the initial weight transfer is smooth and centered.
Q4: If I am left-handed, must I still mount from the left?
Yes. Horse handling standards prioritize consistency for the horse’s well-being and safety over the rider’s dominant hand preference for mounting. All horse mounting techniques usually follow the left-side convention.
Q5: What is the proper way to teach a beginner rider the correct mounting procedure?
The proper way involves teaching the beginner to approach the horse’s left shoulder, check the girth, place the left foot in the stirrup, use the hands for support on the saddle, and swing the right leg cleanly over the back, avoiding kicking the horse. This follows the standard horse mounting techniques.