Have you ever wondered why horse riders always mount their horses from the left side? It's a curious tradition that is still followed today - but what's the history behind this practice, and are there any benefits to mounting your horse on the left side? In this How to Own a Horse article, we unveil the mystery behind this age-old custom and how it remains relevant to modern horse riding.
Why Mount A Horse On The Left Side Table of Contents
The History of Mounting from the Left Side
It's essential to understand the origins of this traditional practice to comprehend why it became a standard in horse riding. Historically, mounting a horse from the left side was a result of practicality and convenience. In the days of knights and warfare, warriors would wear a sword on their left hip. Having the sword on the left side would make it easier for a right-handed person to draw the weapon while riding. Consequently, mounting on the left side kept the sword from interference and allowed the rider to vault onto the horse without hindrance.
Safety Considerations
Safety is another factor contributing to the left-side mounting rule. Once this practice became the norm, horses were trained to expect the rider from the left side. This standardized mounting procedure made it safer for both the rider and the horse by ensuring the horse would be calm and prepared for the rider's approach from the expected side. The predictability of the rider's action helps to reduce the risk of spooking or startling the horse.
Maintaining the Tradition
While most riders today do not wear swords, the practice of mounting from the left side has been passed down through generations and continues to be followed for various reasons. One of the main reasons is simply tradition – it is the way riders were taught and how they will continue to teach others.
Biomechanical Reasons
Although left-side mounting seems arbitrary, there are some biomechanical reasons for this convention. Most horses, like humans, are naturally right-side dominant. Therefore, mounting from the left side can help make sure the horse is more balanced and less likely to shift its weight. Additionally, the rider's weight and momentum during mounting can place stress on the horse's back and withers. Consistently mounting on the same side can allow the horse to develop muscles that better accommodate this stress.
Should You Always Mount from the Left?
While it is essential to understand the tradition and reasons behind left-side mounting, it does not mean that this rule is set in stone. In some cases, you might need to mount from the right side due to necessity – for example, if the horse is situated near a wall or obstacle.
The Benefits of Ambidextrous Mounting
Mounting from both sides can be beneficial for both the rider and the horse. For the rider, this practice can help improve balance, flexibility, and overall skills. For the horse, ambidextrous mounting can reduce the risk of unevenness or asymmetry in muscle development. Additionally, a horse that is comfortable being mounted from both sides can be more versatile and adaptable in different riding situations.
Why Mount A Horse On The Left Side Example:
Picture this: You're getting ready for a trail ride with friends, and your horse is tied to a hitching post on the right side, with space constraints due to nearby trailers. In this instance, trying to mount your horse from the left side would be awkward and possibly unsafe. Being able to confidently and safely mount your horse from the right side in this situation would make both you and your horse feel more at ease and secure.
Understanding the reasoning behind mounting a horse on the left side is just another fascinating aspect of the rich equestrian history and tradition. By knowing the origins and rationale for this common practice, you can better appreciate the nuances of horse riding. Feel free to share your thoughts on this topic, and remember to explore our other How to Own a Horse guides for more informative and engaging articles about horse ownership and riding!
