Why Cant You Mount a Horse From the Right Side? Breaking the Oldest Tradition

The first time I tried mounting a horse from the right side, the gelding pinned his ears back and sidestepped like I’d committed some unforgivable sin. The groom chuckled and shook his head—apparently, I’d broken an unspoken rule older than saddles themselves. For centuries, riders have approached horses exclusively from the left, but why? Tradition, safety, and even equine anatomy play a role in this deeply ingrained practice. Yet as modern horsemanship evolves, some riders are questioning whether this convention still holds weight—or if it’s time to saddle up from the right.

The Historical Roots of Left-Side Mounting

Mounting from the left isn’t arbitrary; it’s a legacy of warfare and weaponry. Medieval knights carried swords on their left hips, swinging their right leg over the horse to avoid entanglements. Imagine a knight fumbling with a scabbard while mounting—hardly ideal mid-battle. This practicality seeped into civilian riding, and over time, horses were trained exclusively from the left, reinforcing the habit. Even today, stirrups and saddle designs often favor left-side access, making right-side attempts feel awkward for both rider and horse.

Military Influence on Modern Riding

Cavalry manuals from the 18th century explicitly instructed recruits to mount from the left, a rule enforced to prevent chaos in formation. Horses, creatures of habit, grew accustomed to this routine. Break it, and you might unsettle them—a reflex still seen in many school horses today. Yet let’s be honest: most of us aren’t jousting anymore. So why cling to a tradition born on battlefields?

The Science Behind the Bias

Horses aren’t symmetrical beings. Their heart sits slightly left of center, and their digestive system favors the right—ever notice how they graze more often on that side? Some trainers argue mounting from the left minimizes pressure on vital organs. Others point to lateral dominance; like humans, horses may favor one side neurologically. A 2017 study in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found that horses showed higher stress responses when mounted from the right, suggesting ingrained asymmetry.

Training and Muscle Memory

Decades of one-sided training create physical asymmetry in horses. Their back muscles develop unevenly, and saddles may shift if loaded from the "wrong" side. Ever seen a horse brace against a right-side mount? That’s years of muscle memory kicking in. But with balanced training, many horses adapt—just as dancers learn to lead with either foot.

Breaking Tradition: The Case for Right-Side Mounting

Progressive trainers advocate for ambidextrous mounting to prevent musculoskeletal imbalances. Dressage riders, in particular, benefit from symmetrical conditioning. Start young: foals handled equally on both sides grow into more adaptable adults. For older horses, gradual desensitization works—reward calm behavior, and soon, the right side feels just like home.

Practical Benefits

• Injury prevention: Even wear reduces strain on joints and ligaments.
• Versatility: Trail riders facing obstacles on the left can switch sides effortlessly.
• Emergency readiness: Ever needed to mount near a cliff or busy road? Options matter.

How to Teach Your Horse to Accept Right-Side Mounting

Patience is key. Begin by desensitizing the right side—groom, tack up, and apply gentle pressure until the horse stands relaxed. Use a mounting block to avoid saddle slippage. Short sessions prevent frustration. Within weeks, most horses adjust, though some may always prefer their "original" side—and that’s okay.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing the process or forcing the issue can backfire. Watch for tail swishing or pinned ears—signs of discomfort. And always check saddle fit; asymmetrical mounting can highlight pre-existing imbalances.

As the sun sets over the arena, I think back to that gelding who balked at my right-side experiment. Now, after months of training, he stands quietly either way—proof that traditions can bend. Whether you mount from left, right, or both, what matters is harmony with your horse. After all, riding isn’t about rules etched in stone; it’s about partnership, trust, and the quiet understanding that passes between human and animal. So next time you approach your horse, consider trying the "other" side—you might both discover a new balance.