Mounting blocks are a pretty important piece of equipment, not least because they reduce the chance of injury to your horse’s back.

When a rider mounts from the ground, it can put unnecessary strain on the horse's back and spine. By using a mounting block, riders can position themselves more accurately before transferring their weight onto the horse.

Other benefits of using a mountain block include:

• Easier mounting, especially for riders with physical limitations or limited mobility.

• Improved safety for both horse and rider. Mounting from the ground increases the risk of slipping, losing balance, or accidentally kicking the horse, which is never an ideal aid to give when getting on.

• It's a training aid that adds a level of consistency to mounting procedures during which the horse learns to stand still and wait while the rider mounts.