Problem Solving: Horse Won’t Stand Still

A horse that constantly moves around when you try to slip your foot in the stirrup is not only frustrating, but potentially dangerous. A well-trained horse stands quietly while you mount and waits for your cue to move off once you’re situated in the saddle.

“The secret to getting a horse to stand quietly when you go to get in the saddle is to get him to use the thinking side of his brain and tune in to you,” Clinton says. “Then, if he shimmies away from you when you go to swing up in the saddle, redirect his feet. You’ll make the right thing (standing still while you get in the saddle) easy and the wrong thing (fidgeting) difficult.”

In the training guide, “Stand Still for Mounting,” Clinton details step-by-step directions to teach your horse to stand quietly while you get in the saddle, whether you use a mounting block or swing up in the saddle from the ground.

Read the training article on the Downunder Horsemanship website.