Makybe Diva - to ride or not to ride?

Most Australian's will be familiar with this Legendary Mare of Australian horse racing.  She won 3 consecutive Melbourne Cup's '03-'05: the grand "Makybe Diva".  She now resides on the Port Lincoln foreshore as a life sized, bronzed steel statue.

Now, if you have ever been out in Port Lincoln or are soon to head out, consider this: To ride or not to ride? That is the question. Ask around and you will find that most people have saddled themselves up onto the life sized statue of the prize-winning mare.  There's even a You Tube video out there - youtube clip .

 

You haven't really "been out" in Port Lincoln unless you have ridden Makybe Diva.  Whether you approve of it or not, it's something you might just have to do. 

So, if you are considering - here are a few mounting tips to give you a bit of a "leg up" (courtesy of WikiHow)

MOUNTING

1   Stand on your horse's left side. This is the side that riders traditionally mount from. Holding the reins in your left hand, turn the stirrup towards you using your right hand. Put your left foot into the stirrup.

2.  Hold the waist of the saddle with your right hand. Have your left hand on your horse's withers. Gently bounce once or twice on your right foot, and then spring up off it.

3.  Swing your right leg up and over the horse's back. Be careful not to kick your horse with your toe! Since all your weight is on the left stirrup, ask a friend to hold onto the right stirrup.

4.  Lower yourself into the saddle. Land gently - don't flop or slam into the saddle and take up the reins in your hands. Gently pull on the reins to tell your horse not to move forward and put your feet into the stirrups.

MOUNTING USING A STANDING BLOCK

Mounting blocks are good choices for beginners, as they give you extra height and prevent you from pulling the saddle to the left.

1.  Place the mounting block to the left of the horse. Ask a friend to hold your horse in place, if necessary. Climb onto the mounting block and hold the reins in your left hand.

2.  Put your left foot in the stirrup. Spring off your right food and swing your right leg up and over the horse's back, being careful not to poke your horse.

3.  Lower yourself gently into the saddle. Gather up your reins in your hands and put your feet into the stirrups.

MOUNTING USING A LEG UP

A friend can give you a leg up to help you mount. This is helpful if you're a beginner, or have a tall horse.

1.  Put your right hand on the saddle. Hold the reins in your left hand. Your friend will hold up your left leg.

2.  Decide when your friend will lift up your leg. For example, you could count to three. While your friend propels you up, lift yourself with your arm into the saddle.

3.  When you're level with the saddle, swing your right leg over it. Gently sit down and gather your stirrups, while you straighten your back and put your feet into the stirrups.

Maybe, just like Makybe Diva you too can make history...