SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/horse-ride-dismount-feet-free

When getting off a horse, what should you do before your feet touch the ground?

Kick both feet free of the stirrups.

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  1. Keep your left foot in the stirrup
  2. Kick free of both stirrups ✔
  3. Leave both feet in until landing

Why: Missouri Extension says to free both feet from the stirrups before touching the ground. A foot left in a stirrup can get caught if the horse moves.

Huh, didn't know that: Missouri Extension says the horse should stand still for dismounting, just like mounting.

The dad joke
Why did the rider kick free of the stirrups? She didn't want to get hung up on details.
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References

Answer: Kick free of both stirrups. Missouri Extension says to free both feet from the stirrups before touching the ground. A foot left in a stirrup can get caught if the horse moves.

  1. University of Missouri Extension G2882: Safe Riding, Practical Guidelines for Horse and Rider extension.missouri.edu/publications/g2882
    An important safety procedure for riders is to kick free of the stirrups before touching the ground.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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