Why do you mount a horse from the left in our day?

You can mount a horse from either side. However it is tradition to mount from the left.

Back in the days of the Cavalry, the officers wore swords on the left hip. They would mount from the left to protect themselves and the horse. We no longer wear swords so, it is now tradition.

More Info: www.lemen.com

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

47 Comments

Randy Loeb

With that explanation, then protecting the horse should be correct also.

Janice Fish

Great question

Cheryl Connett

I got it right, but for me it's easier because my right leg is more limber and it's easier to swing over the horse's back.

Jt Thornton

I have owned and trained horses and never knew why the mounting from the left! I ignores this tradition and trIned my horses to be comfortable with both mounts! Common sense!

Brin Lewis

I thought it was because of tradition, yes, but horses can only use on side of their brain at a time so it has become a standardized practice to train all horses on the left.

Peter Bergman

Who doesn't wear a sword ?

Anita Clark Morton

I knew we always (or usually always) mounted from the left, but didn't know the reason why. But I have seen people mount from the right and thought they were mounting wrong. I didn't realize it was just a tradition now. Now, it all makes sense.

Tove Ryan

answer is wrong, it was to protect the horse

Kimberly Larson Peichel

Ed Lord, it is protect the horse if you are wearing a sword. No one (ok, almost no one) wears a sword any more. I personally mount from the right because of a bad left knee.