Fixing the Horse that walks off

Do you own a horse or have you ever owned a horse that walks off during mounting? If so, I can understand the frustration that comes to mounting one. Not only is it disrespectful but also dangerous. Many trainers prefer to fix this behavior from up in the saddle. I prefer to fix this behavior from the ground. Here is how I do it!

1. Bring your mount into the center of the arena. Most riders know to never mount or dismount near gates or the fence line. Ask your horse to halt and stand while you adjust the saddle, tighten the girth and check your stirrups. Use this as time to collect and calm yourself. If you anticipate him walking off, chances are he's going to read your body language as it's okay for him to walk off. By the time you are done checking your tack your horse should be relaxed and calm, waiting for the next task.
2. Come to the side of your horse and prepare for a mount. Most horses that are bad at walking off will begin to do so even before your foot hits the stirrup. Read your horse's body and before he even goes to walking off take hold of the rein and gently pull your horses head to the inside and ask him to disengage his hindquarters. Once he steps off and does as he's asked, ask for him to halt back in the middle of the arena.
3. Prepare to mount again. Repeat step 2 should your horse move off again. This time increase what you are asking by putting more pressure to get your horse to move faster and cleaner. Return to the middle of the arena and ask for halt. Keep repeating this step until your horse stands still while mounting. Most horses get the point after 2-3 times of doing this, understanding that walking off means work.
4. Once you have mounted allow your horse to stand for 3-4 minutes before asking for work. Teach him to enjoy standing and resting. Try to keep yourself from asking your horse to work the minute you are mounted.