Exercises to help with mounting

I have never been able to mount any horse above 14 hands. I'm not super flexible, and I think my legs are short because I can't seem to put my foot in the stirrup at all. I've gotten on by fences, inclines, rocks, and mounting blocks my entire life. I'm honestly embarrassed by it and I wish I was strong enough to climb on without help. Get so jealous watching people effortlessly step on their horse.

I've seen people shorter than me get on a tall horse and I can't figure out why I can't do it lol

I think that we just need to take Corporals tip, and all start practicing mounting fence rails, or gates. Nothing improves strength and technique like actually practicing the best way to do it

Sometimes you are just not physically able to mount a horse from the ground. I am one of these.

I shattered my left knee when I was 12 and it was reconstructed when I was 15 (yes I walked 3 years on a shattered knee until my growth plates closed). I do not have the mobility to get up into the saddle from the ground anymore due to arthritis. The ortho docs want to replace my right knee, but so far I've held them off, so there isn't much bounce in that knee either.

I have one of these MOUNTING AID STIRRUP-Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply that I keep in my pommel bag at all times. IF I need to dismount and cannot find something to use such as a stump, hill, etc. I can manage (barely) to get back into the saddle.

I have practiced with it (thank you to my very patient horse) so I know while it might take a lot of effort to get me back into the saddle, I can do it.

Oh where did you find that
Maybe that would work for me

Click on the link and it should take you to the page where you can buy one.

MOUNTING AID STIRRUP-Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply


It goes over the saddle horn, then drapes down the side. You step into it with your right foot, then step into the regular stirrup with your left. As I said, it can take a bit of practice to get it down. Then you swing up normally. Or in my case, scramble up.

The first couple of times, I almost fell on my butt. My horse just turned and looked at me like she was asking me if I had lost my mind. I felt bad for her but I would feel worse having to walk miles back to the barn if I had to get off for some reason.

I finally managed to mount, though am glad nobody had video, so I got off and did it again to prove to myself it wasn't a fluke. It is a last resort to me since I know my trying to mount that way is not good for my horse's back, but you gotta do what you gotta do, eh?

I'm not sure about using my right leg cause my knee will go out of place
I will have to try it

You should actually always try get on using a mounting block or something to help you up on the horse (if there isn't anything don't worry)because it stops the stirrup leathers from stretching and breaking. It also does put discomfort on a horses back.
You should learn to mount from the ground though in case of an emergency. Always make sure your girth is done up tightly.