Mounting-where do I put my toe???

I have a wonderful mare that will stand stock still while I mount and get settled. I have never had one that was so great at this. I don't want to screw it up so I have a question!

My saddle is a Henry Miller, it looks a lot like a australian. The stirrup leathers are English type. My question is.... when I mount where should I have my "toe" go? I put my foot into the stirrup and it will either dig into her "elbow" or her girth. I have tried to NOT dig or poke her with my toe and most of the time I use a "cheating" log or ditch to mount and it does not dig into her. BUT, when I have to mount from the ground I end up digging my toe into something. I truly have tried not to, but it just seems to do it.

Anyone out there have advise for me?

PS.... I am 52 yrs, bad knee, fat butt and try to always "cheat" getting on.

Rhonda

If I mount from the ground (which is rare nowadays) I always start facing the horses head, that way my toe doesnt jab them in the side. When I rode western I could easily face the rear, and then hop-hop-hop to face the front while springing up on the last hop into the saddle.

Currently, I mount using a mounting block, so when I put my toe in the stirrup I just turn my toe slightly so that it gets more of the back of the horses leg/elbow.

I would first recommend to always try and use a mounting block or something not only just for your sake but hers too. Obviously there will be those times that it's not possible. So I also always face forward and stand pretty close and parellel to them, grab some mane and back of the saddle. You can also lower your stirrup to make it easier to reach. I always try and find a hill, fence, stump or something to try and relieve the horses back.

When mounting a horse you stand at their shoulder and face their tail. Even thou your horse does not move, this discourages them from moving. When you put your foot in the stirrup the best way to mount is to have your toe at the girth. The girth acts like a type of barrier between your pointy toe and the horses very sensitive side. It wont hurt them they will feel some pressure at the most buts since its at the girth, the pressure will be distributed a little more than if it was your toe in contact directly with the horses side. A mounting block is the best way. It saves your knee, your stirrup leathers and your horses balance. But if a mounting block is not there, this is the proper way to mount.

There is no shame in using a mounting block, it is much better for your horse's back, especially if you have knee trouble that might make the mounting process a little wobbly for the both of you.

You can actually teach a horse to position themselves for you next to a fence, log, ditch or whatever by leading them as close to the object as possible, getting on your chosen obstacle (whether it is a fence or whatever) and then cupping your hand on their wither to pull them close to you. I also use the voice command "step" to teach them to take a step in the desired direction. Reward them when they do it and jump on. Eventually they will already know what you are going to do when you lead them up and will automatically position themselves in just the right spot.

I have taught previous horses to step close to whatever I am using as my "cheatin" stump. This new mare is still learning. She is a wonderful mare and I just don't want to mess her up. I have been puting my toe into the girth whenever I have to mount from the ground and it seems to be doing fine, I just wanted everyone's opinion about where that pesky gouging toe should go when I did mount from the ground.
THANKS

Rhonda