The origin of the ladder rosary is usually traced back to St.Frances de Sales. He had a vision (similar to Jacob’s vision) of the ladder to heaven, except St. Frances saw two ladders to Jesus. One was a very steep ladder that led directly to Jesus. The other was a rosary that went to the Blessed Mother and then to Jesus, this second ladder was much less steep.  Jesus told St. Frances to lead his sons by this second ladder. Thus this is the ladder rosary - the way by which we clime to Jesus through his beloved mother Mary.