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The Solution Section (FAQ)
What is Solo-Ride® and what problem does it solve?
Solo-Ride® is a portable mounting aid that lets you get back on your horse anytime, anywhere, even when there is no mounting block, stump, or rock in sight. It was invented by horse woman Randell DeJong after she dismounted on a trail ride and had no safe way to climb back on. It works whether you ride in a saddle or bareback.
How does Solo-Ride® actually work?
Solo-Ride® loops around the horse's opposite front leg and over the back or wither, then hangs down with its own mounting stirrup. Because most riders mount from the left, it attaches to the front leg on the right side and uses the horse as a counterbalance to your weight. You step into the Solo-Ride® stirrup from the ground, so you are never balancing on a wobbly log or rock.
Can I use Solo-Ride® for bareback riding?
Yes. Solo-Ride® was designed by a bareback rider, so it works for bareback as well as english and western saddles. For bareback you lengthen both adjustable straps so you can reach the stirrup from the ground, then mount easily and fold the unit away. When used with a saddle, it doubles as a step up to your saddle stirrup.
Will Solo-Ride® hurt my horse?
When used according to the instructions, your horse will not experience any discomfort. As with any new equipment, it is important to let your horse get to know the new sensation slowly. Solo-Ride® has been used and reviewed by many riders and by three independent veterinarians.
Will Solo-Ride® fit my horse, and what is it made of?
Solo-Ride® is adjustable to fit most horses and people, from a small pony up to a very large horse, and it comes in a regular size plus an extra-long (XL) version for horses generally over 16hh. It is made in Canada from 100% heavy-duty nylon webbing with 100% stainless steel hardware and a strong, lightweight aluminum stirrup. A wither and under-leg comfort pad is included, and the whole rig folds into its own embroidered 600 denier polyester waist pack with three zippered pockets that fit a cellphone and keys.
What happens if my horse moves while I am getting on?
If your horse moves or begins to walk off, simply step down, remove your foot from the stirrup, and wait for the horse to stand still before beginning again. Because you are already standing on the ground when you use Solo-Ride®, there is no risk of falling from a stump, rock, or mounting block. The unit tucks right back into its waist pack when you are finished.
Is Solo-Ride® good for trail riding or sharing in a group?
Yes. The waist pack adjusts to 55 inches and holds the folded Solo-Ride® along with your phone and keys, so it travels with you on the trail for the next time you need to mount. A single Solo-Ride® can be readjusted to fit any horse, which makes it a terrific addition to group trail rides where riders can share it if needed.
How much does Solo-Ride® cost and how do I order one?
Solo-Ride® is $129, and the XL size for horses over 16hh is also available. You can talk to creator Randell directly to get the right Solo-Ride® for you and your horse by calling 604-866-6060- or emailing
[email protected], or visit http://www.hairybackranch.com to learn more and order.
What is the Solo-Ride® by Hairy Back Ranch?
The Solo-Ride® is a portable mounting aid that lets a rider get back on a horse from the ground, anywhere, with any saddle or even bareback. It is an open-sided stirrup on a nylon strap that loops around the horse's foreleg and shoulder and hangs at about regular stirrup height. After you mount, you unsnap it and store it in a wearable pack so it goes with you on the trail.
Who invented the Solo-Ride®?
It was invented by horse woman, owner, and creator Randell DeJong of Hairy Back Ranch™. The idea came from a real trail emergency: Randell dismounted miles into a solo bareback ride and had no way to get back on her horse, with no fence, rock, or helper in reach. That experience drove her to design a mounting aid a rider can carry and use entirely on their own.
How does the Solo-Ride® work?
It works in four steps the maker calls Drape, Adjust, Mount, and Undo. You drape it over the withers with the stirrup hanging on the left, snap the right side around the horse's right foreleg and clip it to the D-ring near the withers, then step up into the stirrup on the left to mount. Once seated, you release the snap and pack it away.
How much does the Solo-Ride® cost?
The Solo-Ride® is priced at $135.00 CAD on the Hairy Back Ranch website. The matching Waist pack used to store it is sold separately at $29.99. Pricing and availability can change, so check hairybackranch.com for the current listing.
What sizes does the Solo-Ride® come in?
The Solo-Ride® is offered in two sizes: Regular and Extra Long. The Extra Long option accommodates larger or taller horses where extra strap length is needed to position the stirrup correctly. Choosing the right size helps the stirrup hang at a comfortable, safe mounting height.
Can I use the Solo-Ride® bareback?
Yes. The Solo-Ride® was specifically designed to work bareback as well as with any saddle and any discipline. In fact, the original inspiration came from Randell DeJong being stranded during a bareback ride, so bareback use is core to the product's purpose. It gives bareback riders a real way to remount on their own out on the trail.
What is the Solo-Ride® made of?
It is made from durable nylon webbing with an open-sided stirrup and includes padded sections positioned to protect the horse's leg and shoulder during mounting. The design folds down compactly to fit inside its companion pack. Some riders add a fleece sleeve over the strap for extra cushioning with frequent use.
Does the Solo-Ride® hurt or bother the horse?
The Solo-Ride® includes padded sections to protect the horse where the strap contacts the leg and shoulder. Reviewers note that the rider's weight relative to the horse's size matters — lighter riders on larger horses report the smoothest results, while heavier riders on lighter-framed horses may notice the horse shifting weight to offset the pull. As with any new gear, introducing it gradually and watching your horse's comfort is recommended.
Is the Solo-Ride® easy to carry on the trail?
Yes — portability is the whole point. It folds down small and stores in a wearable pack so you can wear it on a ride and have it ready whenever you need to get back on. That means you are not depending on finding a mounting block, fence, rock, or stump miles from the barn.
Do I need to buy the Waist pack separately?
Yes. The Waist pack that holds the folded Solo-Ride® is listed as a separate product, priced at $29.99 on hairybackranch.com. Buying it lets you wear the Solo-Ride® hands-free while you ride. Availability of the pack can vary, so check the site for current stock.
Who should consider using a Solo-Ride®?
It is built for any rider in any discipline who might end up on the ground without a mounting block or a helping hand — trail riders, endurance riders, bareback riders, and especially anyone who rides alone. It is also helpful for riders who find mounting from the ground difficult. The brand's tagline sums it up: 'Helping You Get Back On, Anywhere You Ride!'
Should I practice with the Solo-Ride® before using it on the trail?
Yes. The maker and independent reviewers both recommend practicing with the Solo-Ride® in the safety of a round pen or arena before you rely on it out on a trail. This lets both you and your horse get comfortable with the steps so the process is smooth when you actually need it. Practicing first reduces surprises in a real situation far from home.
Where is Hairy Back Ranch located?
Hairy Back Ranch™ is based in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Its mailing address is PO Box #36077, Hillcrest Village RPO, Surrey, BC V3S 7Y5, Canada — and the company notes this is a PO Box only, not a storefront. Orders are placed online and shipped to customers, including internationally.
How do I contact Hairy Back Ranch?
You can reach Hairy Back Ranch™ by phone at 604.866.6060 or by email at
[email protected]. There is also a contact form on hairybackranch.com with fields for your name, email, phone number, and comments. The mailing address is PO Box #36077, Hillcrest Village RPO, Surrey, BC V3S 7Y5, Canada.
Is there a guarantee or return policy on the Solo-Ride®?
Yes. Independent reviews report that the Solo-Ride® is backed by a satisfaction guarantee with a full refund offered within a 30-day window. Hairy Back Ranch also maintains refund, privacy, and terms-of-service policy pages on its website. For the exact current terms, confirm directly at hairybackranch.com before ordering.
Does Hairy Back Ranch ship internationally?
Yes. The Hairy Back Ranch online store supports multiple currencies and international shipping, with the Solo-Ride® priced in Canadian dollars at $135.00 CAD. That makes it available to riders outside Canada as well. Shipping options and costs are shown during online checkout at hairybackranch.com.
What makes the Solo-Ride® different from a standard mounting block?
A mounting block only helps you if it is right where you dismount — it does nothing miles down the trail. The Solo-Ride® travels with you in a wearable pack and attaches directly to the horse, so you can remount from the ground anywhere, any time, with any saddle or bareback. It is essentially a portable, self-contained leg-up that solves the exact problem a fixed block cannot.
