Product: collapsible step stool, used as a mounting block
Manufacturer: Camping world
Horse Trail Chicks’ rating: 3 carrots (out of 5)
Even if you can mount your horse from the ground, it’s best to use a mounting block. When mounting from the ground, the saddle is pulled to the left, putting pressure on the horse’s withers which can be painful. Then, when you get in the saddle and readjust it back to center by stepping on the right stirrup, the saddle pad – which you so carefully placed when you tacked up – now might not be in the ideal position.
When trailering horses there is not much room to bring along a great big mounting block. Some people use the trailer’s fender for mounting, but this is awkward and can lead to dents.
We found a collapsible step stool that we use as a mounting block. It folds up flat so can be stored easily and it is really easy to use – no assembly necessary – it just opens up when you grab the “open” handle and closes when you grab the “close” handle.
The downsides are as follows:
- This product is NOT designed or marketed for use with horses or as a mounting block. It is meant for use by people as a step stool. It has holes in the sides that a horse could get his/her feet caught in.
- While the design is very ingenious and it is well-made, it is made of fairly thin plastic to keep it light weight, so it cannot take any abuse.
Our horses are very calm at the mounting block so we feel comfortable using it. But we would not use it with a horse that is jumpy around the mounting block. We are careful to put it on flat ground when we use it, and we don’t bounce on it or dismount onto it.
While a regular mounting block is best, this step stool is a workable substitute for us when we trailer. Keep in mind it is not a sturdy or as safe as a regular mounting block, so use it at your own risk.
Price: $33.76 as of August 2019
Where to order: Camping World
