This is an answer to the following input
http://www.barnmice.com/xn/detail/1773158:Comment:277777

Marlene, what I would do in a case like that is to disassociate the saddle from the mounting. I teach the horse to do the "chair game" which is to stand by the mounting block and eventually coming to it when I get on it; and if they "catch" me, they win the game and get a reward. I do this with the horse loose and without getting on it at all at first.

This is something I teach them while they are young and it makes it very easy when it's time to start riding them, but I do the exact same procedure for retraining an older horse with mounting issues.

When the horse is good at the game I change the rules so that they not only have to catch the rider, they have to get into mounting position... and then the next step is that I have to sit on them before they get the reward. I will then sit on them and scratch, give treats or whatever they find motivational before getting off.

Then the saddle is added to the game, starting from the beginning. When it has progresses to me getting on I still sit there and reward the horse and get off again every once in a while to maintain the motivation, and also to get the horse good at standing still after mounting instead of staring to go as soon as I get on.

I actually have a video where I show the game. The mare usually runs after the chair, but she is very! pregnant here, so she takes it easy. As you van see, she gets into a good position for mounting and scratches are a great motivation for her. It's a nice time for both of us:)