How to Mount a Horse

Hold both reins in your left hand and gather them with a tuft of mane. Hold the off right side rein a tad tighter to help prevent the horse from swinging away from you as you get on. You will have to turn the stirrup so that the leather or fender lies flat when you are sitting in the saddle. Many people face more forward when mounting. This makes it less likely to poke your left toe into the horse as you are rising. Many of us were taught to face more towards the back. In this picture the rider is standing so that she's facing slightly to the front. Choose whatever you prefer.

If you face backwards turn the stirrup clockwise towards you. If you face front turn the stirrup a half a turn counter-clockwise. This is so you don't end up with the leather or fender uncomfortable twisted under your leg once you are seated.