Hi everyone,
Does anyone have some tips on giving a rider a good leg up, in order to belly over the saddle?
I'm of quite a short, slight build and finding it difficult to leg up a rider so that they are positioned high enough!
Thank you,
Abigail
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Hi Abi,
Do you need to give a leg up because you don't have a mounting block? A mounting block is a good option!
Otherwise, the only thing I can think of is this: when you are holding the rider's left leg, tell him to skip on his right leg for a couple of times. On the count of 3, you push him up, and because he's been skipping the greater momentum will help get him over the back of the horse.
If you are short, maybe hold his leg closer to the ankle than the knee also.
I hope this helps, but I'm sure other people here will have better ideas!
Hi Abigail
It will be your leg position that might not be in the correct place when they give you a leg up. When holding your left ankle and supporting your knee you leg should feel like it's slightly back, so that you femur is inline with your knee, this will give a direct and easy upright lift. When you bounce before the lift it should make you fly as you leave the ground and make it easier for the person helping you. Your helper needs to make sure they are lifting you from the knee and not the ankle. If they lift you from the ankle they can pull you backwards pulling you away from the horse. ;)
Mel
x
Hello Abi. Im only 5'2" tall and very slight.
I Think that you are asking how YOU give a good leg up to another rider -correct?
I often help my daughter who is far taller and heavier than me up on her horse.
I make a 'cup' out of both of my hands by locking my fingers tightly together, I then squat keeping my back straight, my daughter places her right foot into the ' cup', she holds onto her horses mane and the muscle under the mane and the reins and when ready she stands up in the cup whilst I use my thigh muscles to lift her.
I find it very easy to throw her up using this method, though timing is also key.
When mounting my own horse, I use a mounting block and I hold onto mane and mane muscle.
Using a mounting block is also far easier on the horse, and also very important to use if you have a treeless saddel as I do.
Hope this helps.
Sorry Abi, I wrote ' my daughters right foot' and I meant left foot of course... Sorry.