Riding horses can sometimes lead to the fear of falling off, especially when you feel close to losing control. To help prevent injuries, it’s important to learn how to fall safely. In this article, we’ll explain effective falling techniques to minimize risks while horseback riding. Since falling is an inherent risk in equestrian activities, especially at higher speeds or jumps, understanding how to fall properly is crucial for all riders.
Falling Feet First
The fundamental key to falling properly is to land feet first. First, let’s understand why falling feet first is recommended and what risks are involved if you cannot fall this way.
How to fall safely?
Horse riding grounds are usually covered with soft sand, making it seem soft when you walk on them, but falling onto them can be just as painful as on hard ground.
Wearing a helmet, which is mandatory at most riding clubs, along with using modern protective gear, is a great safety measure. These protective gear options significantly reduce injury risks during falls.
The best self-protection measure is to fall feet first. While most people are told to put their hands out to break a fall, doing so in horseback riding can result in fractures. Falling head first is extremely dangerous and should be avoided; thus, falling feet first is the safest way.
What happens if you fall head first?
If you hit your head, stay calm and assess your condition without rushing to resume riding. Even if conscious, feeling dizzy or unsteady while standing might indicate a concussion.
Additionally, head trauma can cause bleeding inside the skull. These symptoms sometimes don’t appear immediately but can develop hours later, with nausea, dizziness, or confusion. Even if there are no external injuries or pain, monitor your condition for two days, and seek prompt medical attention if abnormalities occur.
Going with the Flow When Falling
When you find yourself about to fall, what should you keep in mind? If you’ve experienced falling before, reflect on your past experiences to guide your response.
Falling is not bad!
At first glance, you might wonder — if falling is unsafe, why bother learning how to fall well? Although falls can cause injuries, improving your technique—especially as you advance—allows you to fall with less injury at higher speeds or during jumps.
It’s critical to learn safe falling techniques early on. In later stages, focus on how to fall properly rather than just avoiding it altogether.
Is gripping and resisting dangerous?
It’s important not to fear falling. Over-trying to prevent falling by clutching tightly or gripping with your legs can increase risks. Tightening your grip or clenching your legs can be signals to the horse to increase speed, which is dangerous when you’re already unbalanced.
Applying force with your legs or trying to stay on can cause your foot to slip into the stirrup, which may deepen falls or cause injuries. Instead, accept the fall and relax, allowing your body to flow with it.
Keep Hold of the Reins as Long as Possible
While it’s dangerous to cling to the reins or try to resist falling, keeping hold of the reins during a fall can actually help you land safety-wise. Why is it better to hold onto the reins?
Landing feet first
If you hold the reins, your arms may pull down and help you land on your feet more effectively. While it’s not always possible to land perfectly, this approach greatly reduces the risk of falling directly on your head.
Landing feet first not only protects your head but also allows you to separate from the horse immediately after falling. This can prevent further injuries and aid in quick recovery.
The horse notices discomfort and stops
Holding the reins tight during a fall can alert the horse to your distress, making it easier for the horse to stop or slow down. This can prevent accidents like being trampled or kicked, and even a runaway horse situation.
However, don’t keep your grip on the reins indefinitely after falling, as it’s dangerous to be dragged or held back in a way that could cause injury. Once your body touches the ground, it’s safest to release the reins immediately to ensure your safety.
What if you Let Go of the Reins?
However, sudden stops or rapid accelerations of the horse can lead to being thrown off when you lose your grip on the reins. In such cases, what should you do?
Protect your head!
The goal of all these fall techniques is to prevent head injuries. If you lose your rein hold, try to protect your head and neck by extending your arms downward as much as possible. Also, wearing a protective helmet with neck protection can greatly reduce injury risks, especially if it’s an airbag-equipped model.
Distance yourself from the horse
As mentioned earlier, it’s best to release the reins after falling. If you’ve lost your grip, focus on ensuring your own safety first by distancing yourself from the horse as quickly as possible.
Summary
Falling off a horse can be shocking and painful, and minimizing such incidents is always preferable. Even experienced riders can fall and sustain injuries. Learning how to fall safely from early on can help prevent serious injuries and is an important skill for all riders to master.