Most horses are trained for dismounts on the left side, and may spook if you try to dismount on the right.
If you are using an English saddle without a raised pommel, grip the front by curling your fingers under the front edge of the saddle instead. Also, you may be more familiar with the term “iron” in place of “stirrup. "
As you complete the motion with your right foot, you can move your right hand to grip the saddle’s cantle (raised rear portion) for balance. While you may use your foot in the left stirrup for balance, do not push outward while you pivot. This could pull the horse and start it moving.
You must be tall enough to reach the stirrup with your left foot from the ground. If you are not, you’ll need to dismount onto a raised platform, or use the “both feet” method below. If you feel the horse start to move as you dismount, you can “bounce” up from the ground as you land and back into the saddle, to avoid falling. If you are not strong or experienced enough to do this, this method can lead to a dangerous situation.
This dismount method can be performed from any height, and also carries no risk of getting your foot caught in the stirrup of a moving horse. Do not flail or shake your leg to get it out of the stirrup, as this could spook the horse. Instead, gently push against it, or pull up with your arms, to raise yourself higher, and lift your foot out.
Do not attempt this from a saddle, as it is too easy to snare yourself in the tack.
