Mounting blocks are used to assist people in mounting and dismounting from horses or carts. They were very common in Britain until the late 18th century, when the roads were improved enough to allow carriages to be used on them. Carriages had their own steps and so the need for mounting blocks decreased. Mounting blocks were especially useful for women, who were riding side saddle or pillion, as they allowed them to mount and dismount without any loss of modesty. Use of a mounting block puts less strain on the stirrup leather and reduces the chance of the saddle slipping to one side. It also reduces the strain on the spines of horses.
Most mounting blocks were made from stone or wood and usually had 2, 3 or 4 steps leading to a platform. Mounting blocks were often located outside churches, public houses, inns, country houses, farms and along the main streets of market towns.
