Simple instructions to follow for teaching riding lesson students the basics of mounting a horse. This lesson plan is part of Rider Medals Level 2: Beginner I. Accompanying worksheets are also available, as is a quiz to re-test the rider’s knowledge. This lesson also pairs well with our Beginner I – Journal.

This lesson plan covers:

• checking the girth and adjusting their stirrups to their armpit
• getting the mounting block into the correct position
• why we mount on the horse’s left side
• cleaning off the bottom of your boots if they’re slippery
• the importance of holding your reins while you mount
• not hitting the horse with your leg and sitting down gently
• checking your stirrup length from the saddle by where it hits their ankle bone
• dropping and picking up their stirrups
• proper foot placement in the stirrup and keeping the heel under the hip
• toes up and heels down without bracing