How to Dismount a Horse

Dismounting a horse like a greenhorn can be embarrassing, and more important, dangerous. Follow these steps carefully so that both you and your horse walk away uninjured.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Horses
• Horse Reins
• Riding Boots
• Riding Helmets
• Riding Tack

1. 

   Bring the horse to a complete stop.

2. Holding the reins in your left hand, put both hands on the saddle pommel or on the horse's neck.

3. Stand up in the stirrups.

4. 

   Swing your right leg over the horse's rump. As you bring your leg over, move your right hand from the pommel to the cantle, or back of the saddle.

5. Pause while balancing on your hands, and kick your left foot free of the stirrup iron.

6. 

   Push lightly away from the horse and drop to the ground.

7. Slide the stirrup irons up the back strap of the stirrups, and tuck the loose ends into the irons.

Tips & Warnings

• Horseback riding is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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[horseluver]

on 8/8/2008 dude, western riders dont wear helmets its called a cowboy hat. and why would a rancer/cowboy wear a helmet????

on 8/11/2008 When dismounting, take both feet out of the stirrups. This is so if the horse spooks, you won't be dragged around with one foot caught in the stirrup. Next place both reins in your right (or off) hand and put your left hand on the horse's shoulder. Then swing your right leg over your horse's rump being careful not to kick him. As you land bend your knees so you don't hurt yourself. If you ride English, don't forget to run your stirrups up! This isn't just so the horse doesn't get bumped in the sides, it's also for safety. My instructor was working with a horse that didn't have the stirrups run up on the saddle, so when he spooked and started bucking one of his hind legs got caught in a stirrup and he injured himself really badly. I hope this helps. Have fun riding and be safe. PLEASE always wear an ASTM/SEI certified helmet when riding , It saved my life. Happy Trails ; )

on 1/26/2006 Always kick both feet out of the stirrups as you prepare to dismount, this way if the horse spooks or moves off you will have two legs to stand on instead of just one! Being dragged with your foot caught in the stirrup is not fun!

on 11/22/2005 When dismounting take your right foot out of stirrup. Swing your leg over. Stand in the left stirrup for a couple of second just to make sure the horse won't move. Then put your right foot down the left.

on 11/22/2005 When dismounting any horse, especially young ones, always start with both feet out of the stirrups. That way if anything spooks the horse (including your dismount) at worst you will end up on your bottom, rather then being dragged behind the horse!