Which statement best describes crest mounting in hippotherapy?

• A. It would increase hip abduction during mounting.
• B. It prevents hip flexion.
• C. It has no effect on tone.
• D. It allows hip flexion to reduce tone and decrease hip abduction during mounting.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that crest mounting is used to facilitate hip flexion and help modulate muscle tone during mounting. By guiding the rider into a controlled hip flexion position as they mount, this technique can reduce excessive muscle tone and limit unwanted hip abduction that often occurs with mounting. The sensory input and support provided through contact with the horse’s crest help the rider achieve a more neutral pelvis and smoother leg positioning, which lowers spastic or excessive adductor/abductor activity. That’s why promoting hip flexion to decrease tone and reduce hip abduction during mounting is the best description.

If mounting were described as increasing hip abduction, preventing hip flexion, or having no effect on tone, those statements clash with the goal of using crest mounting to facilitate a safer, more controlled, and more comfortable mounting process through targeted hip flexion and tone modulation.