>>> Do you work on standing still when mounting? I don't try to train this when they are excited or antsy. If the horse is already trained to ride but just wasn't ever trained to stand for mounting, I position them and say "Stand". I don't even try to get on. I fiddle with the saddle, put weight in the stirrups, and just stand next to them. If using a mounting block (reccommended), I step up and just stand next to them. If they move at all, I reposition them and start again. If they don't move, I click and reward.
When they stand still for the command "Stand" I begin mounting. If they move as I'm mounting, I step back down, reposition them and start again. If they don't move, I click and reward. It usually only takes a few times, if they haven't been hurt before by mounting. I make sure to practice equally from both sides. I gradually extend the time until I click so that the horse continues to stand still while I get my stirrups, fiddle with the pommel bag, adjust my sunglasses, etc. they learn not to go until I ask them to move off. I use a longer process if they haven't been mounted before. Cherie
