It is narrated from Hazrat Ata that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed the Tawaf of the Ka'bah while riding and touched the Black Stone with a curved stick, and performed Sa'i between Safa and Marwah. Hazrat Hajjaj says that I asked Hazrat Ata what was the purpose of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in doing so? He replied that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did this to make things easier for the Ummah.