6 of 18

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

or become dislodged. (No one wants to be dragged, as this can be deadly!) Sandals, sneakers, and open-toed shoes have no place at the stables anyway.

Long pants or jeans, particularly riding pants or leather chaps, can give you greater traction on the horse. Riding in shorts is silly, as you can slip off more easily, and you can get nasty blisters too!

Use proper tack and equipment for your sport. A well-fitting saddle, sturdy stirrups, and quality reins are essential. Tighten your girth or cinch before mounting. A slipping saddle is a scary thing! If the saddle is too loose and tips, you will certainly come off!

PICK A SAFE HORSE.

Ride an appropriate horse. A green (untrained) horse and a green rider spell danger. Ride a horse you can manage comfortably, and stay in a safe arena or riding environment until you are ready to venture farther. Believe it or not, more people are launched on quiet trail rides than in the riding ring. The trail simply offers more surprises!

RIDE SAFELY.

Sit in the center of the saddle. Keep your heels down. Remember what your riding instructor told you!

Be alert to your surroundings. It is easy to become lulled into complacence on a steady trotting or walking horse. Of course, you can relax and enjoy the ride, but you must also remain somewhat vigilant. Try to anticipate potential surprises.

Watch your horse's body language. If his ears are facing forward and his neck is gently arched, life is good. If he pins his ears back, tosses his tail around, and throws his head up in the air, you should be ready for anything!

Keep your heels down! If you sit up straight (chin up), and keep your legs stretching long in the stirrups (with those heels pointing for the ground), you will maintain your balance better in the saddle. Crunching up and clinching the saddle will actually make you more vulnerable to take-off.

Try not to ride alone. Another rider is a safety measure for you, and another horse will be a calming companion for your own mount. Horses are less likely to startle, and accidents are less likely to occur, if you ride in company.

Take a cell phone, if you hit the trails. Do not fasten this to your saddle or tack, but keep it on your own person. (You will only need it, if you should become parted from your horse!)

HOW TO FALL OFF SAFELY:

Although every equestrian prefers to remain in the saddle, you simply must know when it is time to bail out. Sometimes, this is the prudent choice. (Of course, if you are riding near a road, tracks, or another

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about How to fall off a horse and avoid injury?
We want to hear your view. Write now!