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If you’ve spent years hoisting yourself into a saddle using a fence rail, a bucket, or your horse’s stirrup leathers, you already know the price your back and your horse’s withers are paying. A dedicated mounting block is the single most impactful purchase an equestrian can make for joint preservation and saddle fit, yet most riders overlook it until the morning they tweak a knee and can’t swing a leg over. The difference between a flimsy plastic step that skids on the arena footing and a rock-solid, two-step platform with the right rise and base width determines whether you start every ride grounded and centered or fighting for stability from the first step.

I’m Min — the co-founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. I’ve spent hundreds of hours cross-referencing dimensional specs, weight capacities, material densities, and real-world durability reports to separate the mounting blocks that genuinely protect your horse’s topline from the ones that wobble, crack, or sink into soft ground after one season.

This guide ranks the seven best 2-step mounting blocks on the market based on stride-friendly step height, grip surface stability, material resistance to moisture and UV, and portability. Whether you’re mounting a 16-hand Thoroughbred, stepping into a high-clearance RV, or assisting aging dogs into the truck bed, the best 2 step mounting block is the one that stays planted under load and rises high enough to keep your saddle straight.

How To Choose The Best 2-Step Mounting Block

Picking the right mounting block comes down to four non-negotiable factors that directly affect your safety, your horse’s comfort, and how long the block survives outdoors. The market is filled with lightweight “tack-room steps” that were never designed to handle the lateral torque of mounting a restless horse, so understanding the material, height, base geometry, and foot traction will prevent a painful lesson.

Height and Step Rise

A two-step block for equestrian use should put your top step between 15 and 19 inches off the ground. Shorter blocks force you to half-mount, twisting your hip and pulling the saddle sideways; taller ones let you stand square, drop your weight into the saddle, and keep the girth straight. Measure from the ground to the crest of your horse’s withers — the ideal mounting block rises roughly to mid-cannon bone so your leg swings without dragging across the saddle skirt.

Base Dimensions and Ground Grip

Mounting a horse generates both downward force and lateral shear when the horse steps away mid-mount. The block’s base should be at least 18 inches deep to resist tipping forward, and the contact surface — whether rubber feet, textured bottom ridges, or a flat monolithic base — must dig into sand, grass, or concrete without skidding. A block that’s too narrow at the base or lacks anti-slip pads is dangerous even at ideal height.

Material Durability and Weather Resistance

Rotational-molded polyethylene (the same material used for livestock feed tubs) resists UV degradation, cracking, and moisture absorption far better than thin blow-molded plastic or wood. Wooden blocks look attractive but absorb water, split, and grow algae in damp barn conditions. For blocks stored outdoors or hauled to trailheads, high-density polyethylene with UV stabilizers is the only reliable long-term investment.

Step Traction and Surface Design

The top step surface needs aggressive texture — raised diamond plate, deep grooves, or bonded rubber strips — to grip boot soles even when coated with arena dust, rain, or mud. Smooth plastic steps become dangerously slick under any moisture. Some premium blocks include a recessed top surface that channels water away; others require drilling a drain hole to prevent standing water that breeds mosquitoes and cracks during freeze-thaw cycles.

Quick Comparison

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Model Category Best For Key Spec Amazon
High Country 2-Step Premium Tall horses & tall riders 19″ top step height Amazon
Horsemen’s Pride 2-Step Premium Riding schools & daily barn use 15.5″ top step, 300 lb cap Amazon
unununu Wooden 2-Step Mid-Range Bedroom/nightstand & hot tub use 16″W x 9.5″D steps Amazon
Rubbermaid 2-Step Mid-Range Kitchen & home reach 16.25″ platform, 300 lb cap Amazon
Marudina Large RV Step Mid-Range RV entry & pet access 1,000 lb capacity Amazon
AMOISE Folding Stool Budget Light home & travel use 8″ & 17″ dual height Amazon
Jolly Pets 3-Step Block Premium Extra height & multi-purpose 21″ top step height Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

Best Overall

1. High Country 2-Step Mounting Block

19″ Height13 lb Weight

The High Country 2-Step earns the top spot because it hits the ideal 19-inch top step that most adult riders need to mount a 15-17 hand horse without cranking the saddle. The rotationally molded polyethylene construction resists cracking in sun and freezing temps, and the 32-inch depth of the base gives it a planted stance that doesn’t shift even when your horse decides to walk off mid-mount. At 13 pounds, it’s light enough to drag from arena to pasture but heavy enough to stay put on a windy day.

What sets this block apart from cheaper alternatives is the aggressive diamond-plate texture on both steps, which provides reliable traction even when the surface is wet or dusted with arena footing. The wide base also makes it usable as a stable step for grooming or clipping tall horses, and the generous step length accommodates even a size 13 boot without the heel hanging over the edge. Owners consistently mention that this block relieves strain on the rider’s back and the horse’s withers, and several report repurposing it as a dock step or RV entry step after retiring from equestrian use.

The lack of a drain hole in the recessed step top is the only recurring complaint — standing water collects in the depression and may need a drilled quarter-inch hole to prevent mosquitoes and winter freeze-cracking. Despite that minor engineering oversight, the lifetime warranty and proven decade-long service life make this the best long-term investment for riders who mount daily.

Why it’s great

  • 19-inch step height matches most saddle setups perfectly
  • Deep 32-inch base eliminates tipping on uneven ground
  • Lifetime warranty from High Country Plastics

Good to know

  • Recessed top step holds water without a drain hole
  • Limited color options at this price point
Best Value

2. Horsemen’s Pride 2-Step Mounting Step

15.5″ Height11.5 lb Weight

Horsemen’s Pride has been a staple in American barns since 2001 for one simple reason: the solid polyethylene construction outlasts most riders’ equestrian careers with zero maintenance. The 15.5-inch top step is shorter than the High Country, but that lower rise actually suits riders on ponies, smaller horses, or mounted archery/trick riding disciplines where a lower center of gravity during mounting is preferred. The built-in carry handle makes it easy to grab one-handed when you’re leading a horse out of the stall.

The 18.75-by-20-inch step surface provides a full platform the size of an end table, and the 300-pound weight capacity means nearly any rider can mount safely without worrying about the block creaking or collapsing. Customer reviews from riding schools praise its ability to hold up to six daily mounts by different riders without showing any surface wear. The red color is easy to spot in a busy barn aisle, and the polyethene won’t splinter, rust, or rot like wood or metal alternatives in a damp environment.

The step height and the recessed step surface are the only drawbacks here — shorter riders may find themselves needing a half-step, and the depression in the top attracts yellowjackets and holds rainwater just like its taller competitor. Some owners drill two small drainage holes near the back corners to solve this. The slightly higher weight (11.5 lbs) makes it less portable for trailering, but that same heft contributes to the rock-solid stability riders love.

Why it’s great

  • Proven 20+ year track record in barns nationwide
  • Full 20-inch-wide step surface for secure footing
  • Handle-molded into the front for easy carry

Good to know

  • Recessed step top collects water without drainage
  • Shorter step height may not suit very tall horses
Smart Pick

3. Jolly Pets STEPS MOUNTING 3 Step

21″ Height300 lb Capacity

This is technically a three-step block, but it earns a spot in a 2-step guide because the extra step allows riders who need a mid-height assist to use the first two steps, keeping the final rise within the 2-step range while also offering a taller top option for big horses. The 21-inch top step is the tallest in this lineup, making it the only block that comfortably clears the fender on a draft horse or a high-end dressage warmblood. The high-density polyethylene construction is identical to the Horsemen’s Pride, sharing the same UV-stable, rot-proof durability.

The 18.75-inch square footprint keeps the base wide enough for stability, and the handhold molded into the front lets you lift the 15-pound block with one hand. Owners have reported using these as dock steps designed to survive hurricane conditions, as a training tool for teaching young horses to accept mounting, and as a safe step for aging dogs to access tall truck beds. The black color shows almost no fading after two years of direct Florida sun, signaling strong UV resistance.

The 21-inch top step is too tall for riders under 5’4” or for mounting smaller horses — when used as a pure mounting aid, the extra step means carrying a bit more mass than a dedicated 2-step. Some owners also note that the step surface collects water in the recess and recommend pre-drilling a drain hole. For anyone who needs both a riding mount and a taller household step for truck or trailer access, this versatile block justifies its premium price through sheer multi-purpose utility.

Why it’s great

  • Tallest step height (21″) for draft horses and tall mounts
  • UV-stable black color resists fading year after year
  • Light enough at 15 lbs to reposition mid-training session

Good to know

  • 3-step design adds height inappropriate for shorter riders
  • Recessed steps hold water without pre-drilled drain holes
Top Performer

4. Rubbermaid 2-Step Molded Plastic Step Stool

16.25″ Platform300 lb Capacity

Rubbermaid’s 2-step stool is the “go-to” recommendation for anyone who needs a mounting block for household use — changing lightbulbs, reaching top kitchen cabinets, or climbing into a high-clearance truck. The 16.25-inch top step height is lower than an equestrian block, but the 18.62-inch wide platform with molded-in grip treads provides a stable, non-skid surface that works well for quick ladder-free reach tasks. The weight capacity of 300 pounds matches the equestrian premium tier blocks.

Unlike every other block on this list, the Rubbermaid is a permanent-front fixture — it doesn’t fold or collapse, which removes any weak-point hinges or latches that could fail under load. The large cut-out side handles make it easy to grab and move from room to room, and the textured plastic top and rubber feet keep it planted on tile, vinyl, and wood floors without leaving scuff marks. Reviews from heavy truck repair shops report it surviving years of industrial abuse without cracking.

Being non-collapsible means the Rubbermaid takes up permanent floor space — it doesn’t tuck away into a closet gap the way folding steps do. The 5.6-pound weight is light enough for anyone to carry, and the platform’s 10-by-16-inch top step is wide but not especially deep, so oversized boot soles may overhang the front edge. For pure barn mounting, the height is too short for most saddle situations; this stool’s strength is in the home, garage, and workshop where stability, not elevation, is the priority.

Why it’s great

  • Zero moving parts — no hinge failure possible
  • Wide platform with deep non-slip grooves
  • Light enough to carry despite solid build

Good to know

  • Non-collapsible design requires dedicated floor space
  • 16-inch height is too short for horse mounting
Versatile Pick

5. Marudina Large RV Step with Cloth Cover

1,000 lb CapAdjustable Height

At first glance, the Marudina appears to be a single-step design, but the three-level height adjustment (7.5 to 9.5 inches) lets you position it at the ideal step-up height for RV entry, pet access, or truck tailgate use. The 1,000-pound weight capacity is overbuilt for any human rider, but that safety margin means the aluminum frame and rubber feet won’t flex, wobble, or fatigue over time. The anti-slip strips bonded to the top platform keep footing secure even when the top is coated in morning dew.

The attached cloth cover is a genuinely thoughtful addition for pet owners — the soft carpeted surface provides paw-friendly grip and prevents claws from slipping between traditional step slats. The velcro-attached cover is removable for washing, which matters when you’re using this step for muddy dogs or barn boots. The folding frame collapses flat to about 2 inches thick, storing behind an RV door or under a truck seat without taking up any of the space a traditional plastic block would occupy.

The aluminum construction is lighter than an equivalent polyethene block but still feels dense enough to resist skidding when weight shifts laterally. The single-step design means it can’t double as a two-step mounting block for tall horses or high truck beds — it’s strictly a single-rise solution. Some users wish the height adjustment had finer increments or a locking detent instead of the gravity-pin system.

Why it’s great

  • Absurdly overbuilt 1,000-pound capacity for total stability
  • Three-level height adjustment fits different vehicles
  • Washable cloth cover protects pet paws and improves grip

Good to know

  • Single step; can’t serve as a two-tier mounting block
  • Height adjustment mechanism uses a basic gravity-pin system
Solid Wood

6. unununu 16″ Wooden Two Step Stool

Solid Wood19″D x 16″W Base

The unununu step stool is built from sustainably sourced solid wood with a trapezoidal frame that distributes weight across a wide 19-inch depth and 16-inch width base. The 12-inch total height and the generously proportioned steps (9.5 inches deep) make this a superb choice for bedside use, helping seniors or short-statured adults climb into a tall bed frame, step into a bathtub, or reach the second rod in a closet. The rubber grip pads on each foot prevent the stool from sliding on hardwood or tile.

Assembly requires a Phillips-head screwdriver and roughly 15 minutes of attention — the included Allen wrench may not fit the supplied screws, so users should have a backup tool on hand. Once assembled, the wooden frame doesn’t creak or twist under weight, and the natural finish matches bedroom and bathroom decor far better than any plastic alternative. The step slots are designed to hold anti-slip rubber strips that stay in place and don’t shift during use.

Wooden steps are inherently unsuitable for outdoor or damp barn environments — moisture will warp the wood and degrade the rubber pads within a season. This stool is designed exclusively for indoor use, and at 12 inches of rise, it’s far too short to function as a horse mounting aid. For the rider who also needs a home step stool that doesn’t look like industrial equipment, the unununu fills that aesthetic niche beautifully without compromising stability.

Why it’s great

  • Solid wood construction with natural finish looks refined indoors
  • Wide 9.5-inch-deep steps accommodate full-foot placement
  • Trapezoidal frame prevents side-to-side tip

Good to know

  • Indoor use only — wood warps in moisture
  • Assembly hardware may require alternative tools
Budget Champion

7. AMOISE 2 Step Folding Stool

Dual-Height250 lb Capacity

AMOISE’s folding stool delivers an 8-inch lower step and a 17-inch top step in a package that folds flat to just a few inches thick, making it the only truly portable two-step option that can slide under a car seat or into a saddlebag. The plastic frame is reinforced at the hinge points and supports up to 250 pounds — sufficient for most mounting scenarios, though the weight limit should be respected for safety. The textured stepping surface and anti-slip rubber feet do a reasonable job of preventing slides on smooth floors or dry arena footing.

The folding mechanism is the clear differentiator here: this stool can be stashed behind a door, tossed into a trunk, or packed in a horse trailer trunk with zero footprint. The built-in carry handle makes it easy to bring to a trailhead mounting spot, and the dual-height design means a rider can use the 8-inch step for a half-mount groove or step straight to the 17-inch platform for a full mount. Owners note that the steps are relatively narrow for large feet, but the open-front design lets you place your foot straight into the step without banging your toe on a closed riser.

Folding stools inevitably introduce a durability penalty compared to one-piece molded blocks — the hinge pins and locking brackets are potential failure points if left folded and unfolded daily over multiple seasons. A few users report that the lock requires firm hand pressure to collapse, which is actually a sign of secure engineering rather than a flaw. For the budget-conscious rider who needs a second block for the trailer or an apartment dweller who can’t spare floor space, the AMOISE provides genuine dual-height utility at a minimal commitment.

Why it’s great

  • Folds flat for storage in tight trailer spaces
  • Dual 8-inch and 17-inch step heights
  • Designed with an open front for easy toe clearance

Good to know

  • Hinges and locks introduce long-term wear potential
  • Narrow steps may not fit large boots comfortably

FAQ

How high should a 2-step mounting block be for riding?
A 2-step block for equestrian mounting should place the top step between 15 and 19 inches off the ground, with 17-19 inches being the sweet spot for most adult riders on horses 15 to 16.2 hands tall. If your block is shorter, you’ll tend to half-mount and twist the saddle; blocks taller than 20 inches can make it hard to swing your leg without over-rotating. Always consider your own inseam and your horse’s wither height when choosing rise.
Can I use a 2-step mounting block for RV or pet access?
Yes, but only if the block has a wide enough base and a non-slip top surface suitable for paws or boots. Many equestrian-grade polyethylene blocks like the High Country or Jolly Pets double as RV steps, truck steps, or dock steps because they’re UV-resistant and rated to 300 pounds or more. For small pets, look for a block with a textured or carpeted top surface that provides claw grip and isn’t too high — a 7-9 inch single step often works better than a full 2-step block for dogs under 50 pounds.
What’s the difference between blow-molded and rotomolded plastic mounting blocks?
Rotomolded (rotationally molded) plastic is heated and slowly rotated in a mold, producing a single seamless piece with uniform wall thickness and superior impact resistance. Blow-molded plastic is created by forcing air into a heated tube inside a mold, resulting in thinner, hollow walls that are more prone to cracking and UV degradation. Every premium 2-step mounting block on this list uses rotomolded polyethylene — you can identify it by the weight (rotomolded blocks are heavier) and the smooth, non-shiny surface that doesn’t flake when scratched.
Why does the top step of my mounting block collect water?
Manufacturers often design a slight depression or recess on the top step to channel water away from the edges and prevent it from running off onto the side where you step down. The unintended consequence is that standing water collects in the recess, breeding mosquitoes and, in freezing climates, expanding and cracking the plastic over winter. The fix is simple: drill a quarter-inch drainage hole at the lowest point of the depression near the back of the step. This doesn’t compromise the structural integrity and extends the block’s lifespan outdoors.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most riders, the best 2 step mounting block winner is the High Country Plastics 2-Step because its 19-inch top step, wide 32-inch base, and lifetime warranty offer the best balance of height, stability, and long-term investment for daily barn use. If you need a block that stays on a truck bed or works for both mounting and pet access, grab the Horsemen’s Pride 2-Step — its lower profile is ideal for ponies and smaller mounts, and the 20-inch step surface gives you room to pivot. And for multi-purpose utility — trailhead mounting, RV entry, and household reach combined — nothing beats the Jolly Pets 3-Step, whose 21-inch top step supports the tallest horses and the most creative repurposing.