Mounts

Mounts encompass both animals used for riding or carrying loads and devices that secure equipment. Throughout history, mounted travel and transport shaped commerce, warfare, and cultural exchange. Common riding mounts include horses, donkeys, camels, and llamas; ponies and mules play important roles in many regions. The suitability of a mount depends on size, temperament, endurance, and training, as well as terrain and climate. Welfare considerations emphasize appropriate nutrition, rest, veterinary care, hoof and dental maintenance, and humane handling. Proper training seeks safety for both rider and animal and should respect the animal’s limits and welfare.

Hardware mounts provide attachment points for equipment and are widely used in photography, broadcasting, industry, and vehicles. Examples include camera mounts, tripods, desk or wall displays, and vibration‑resistant brackets. Mounts range from fixed to adjustable, quick‑release, and modular systems, and are chosen by load rating, environmental exposure, and ease of use. Materials include steel, aluminum, and composites, with coatings chosen for corrosion resistance or grip. In specialized fields, mounts must withstand movement, shocks, and temperature changes while maintaining alignment and stability.

Within computing, the term mount describes attaching a storage device or filesystem to a directory tree, enabling access to its data. In design and engineering, mounting considerations influence usability, durability, and serviceability. Together, the concept of mounts reflects a broad need to secure, support, and connect two parts of a system, whether living or manufactured.