Image ID: 08216

Horse mounting stones - Winkburn

Courtesy of Reg Baker

Winkburn
England

These were to provide a step up, giving assistance to those trying to mount a horse, particularly to ladies who would have ridden side saddle. They are not the usual shape for mounting blocks, which were usually a larger structure with 2-4 steps. The stones seen here were possibly used originally as hay rick stones or 'staddle stones , which with a mushroom shaped top, would have been placed beneath hay stacks to let the wind blow through whilst they dried, and to prevent rats getting into the hay. These particular mounting stones were located at the rear entrance of a former inn. There are also another two mounting stone blocks to the front of the building (The picture details do not specify which building!)

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Keywordslaneroadpostsstoneshorsemountingblocksinngatetransport

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