If you ride a horse a lot, it's almost certain that you'll fall off.Learning how to prevent falls and fall gracefully when it happens can help prevent serious injury, but there's nothing you can do to protect yourself completely.If you're worried about falling, talk to an experienced trainer or rider who can help you with the problem.
Step 1: Decide when to fall off.
You want to stay on the horse as a rider.When you run into trouble on your horse, you have to decide if you're going to fall.You need to get off the horse if you feel like it is going down.To fall safely, you need to drop the reins and tuck and roll.To get away from the horse, kick your feet out of the stirrups.If you hold onto the reins as you fall, you may hurt your shoulder or be dragged along the ground.
Step 2: Push out from the way the horse is falling.
If your horse is falling to one side, move your body in a different direction.The place between the horse's shoulder blades is where to push off.Bring your knee and foot up on the side where the horse is going down.If you can, put your foot up to your rear so that it doesn't go under the horse.Use your tuck and roll technique to move away from the horse when it gets to the ground.Go as far away from the horse as you can.
Step 3: If possible, land on your feet.
Even though you're going to tuck and roll, your goal is to land on your feet and go forward into the roll.It is not always possible to go feet first.
Step 4: Relax.
As you fall, try to relax your body.Your body will not be able to absorb impact if you strengthen your muscles.It may take many falls to learn this habit, but you will have less painful falls when you do.
Step 5: Tuck as much as you can.
Pull in your limbs if you fall.If you put your arms out to break your fall, you may end up with broken wrists and arms.Hopefully your muscle memory will help you keep going.
Step 6: The roll has a lot of weight.
Roll onto the back of your shoulder as you tuck.When you're back to your front, keep rolling.Roll to get away from the horse.If you fall on your thigh or back of your shoulder, try to land feet first.Do not try to land on your neck or back.
Step 7: First thing to do is work on the ground.
If you want to work in the riding arena, you can use a soft mat to break the fall.It's important to perfect your falling technique while on the ground, not on a horse.If you practice a fall, you'll get it in your memory.You're more likely to fall safely if you start falling off a horse.
Step 8: Stand with your feet together.
While practicing, wear a helmet and safety vest.Cross your arms if you stand up tall.This is the beginning of the practice.If you use an elbow to take the force of the fall, it could result in a broken elbow.If you want to catch your fall, put your arms out in front of you.If you fall, you may want to wear a protective vest.They can be found at tack stores and online.
Step 9: Roll on your shoulder if you go down on one knee.
Tuck into yourself when your knee hits the ground.The knee that hit the ground should be rolled onto the back of the shoulder.You should hit the correct point on your shoulder if you bring your head and shoulders up.Try to do it at an angle from where you started.You have to move away from your horse.
Step 10: To get on your back, use the rotation.
You're rolling to the side with a little forward motion.Tuck your knees up to your chest when you come down.You will benefit from this position.As you move into the roll, put your chin into your chest.
Step 11: Roll until you hit your feet and knees again.
Roll back onto your front using the force you created.If you end up on your knees, you can use the strength to get back to your feet.You should practice this move over and over until you master it.It's like a forward roll, except you move more at an angle.
Step 12: Work on the movement of a vehicle like a golf cart.
The driver should go at a slower pace.You can make a jump by watching the ground and bending your knees.Tuck and roll until you are on your feet again.You should practice this move until you're comfortable with it.
Step 13: You can get in good shape by exercising most days of the week.
The more fit you are, the better you'll be in case of a fall.It helps you heal quicker if you get injured.Strengthening exercises that work on your core should be done.Just to name a few, you could try things like pushups and sit-ups.Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week.
Step 14: Every time you ride a horse, wear a helmet.
A helmet can make a difference when it comes to headaches and concussions.Before you mount, make sure the helmet fits correctly, meaning it's not too loose or tight.If you want it to be re-padded, you should have it checked when you buy it.A helmet certified by a safety organization is a good choice.Look for helmets that meet standards.Don't use a helmet that's not a riding helmet.Bike helmets don't offer the same level of protection as riding helmets.
Step 15: Choose clothes that are safe to ride in.
It's a good idea to choose riding boots that fit well and are sturdy.If you want to move easily, you should be comfortable in any clothing you wear.Don't wear anything that is too loose as it can tangle with the reins and other parts of the saddle.In the case of a fall, other types of shoes and tie up riding boots can get trapped in the stirrups.If the horse stamps on your foot, you need sturdy boots.
Step 16: The tack should be comfortable for the horse.
If the saddle is too far back or forward, the horse could be in pain.If the horse is uncomfortable, it may try to escape by bolting, rearing or bucking.Many behavioral issues can be solved with making painful tack more comfortable.If the saddle is too far forward, it will hit the horse's shoulder blades as it walks.The saddle is uncomfortable for the horse.Check the bottom of the saddle to make sure it doesn't have any rough spots that could hurt your horse.Adding a thick wool saddle pad underneath the saddle will make it more comfortable for your horse.
Step 17: Use a soft bit rather than a harsh one.
Don't make the bit too tight.When the bit fits correctly, you should see a smallwrinkle in the corner of the horse's mouth.If the horse is happy, look for his relaxed head and mouth.It will move its mouth a lot if it's not.The horse will respond to your commands in a way that makes it harder to control.A horse can bolt from a painful bit.
Step 18: Use safety stirrups.
Safety stirrups are meant to prevent your foot from getting trapped in case of a fall.To prevent your legs from being trapped, some break away from the saddle.Don't forget to keep your heels down even with safety stirrups.It's better to be safe than sorry.
Step 19: Check for signs of pain.
Take some time to look at your horse.Rub your hand on the horse's body.If he shows signs of pain, your vet should check it.Ask for help from an experienced rider if your horse is acting strange.
Step 20: If you're inexperienced, ask for an older horse.
If you've never ridden a horse before, don't try.You need to learn the ins and outs of riding under the guidance of a guide or instructor.
Step 21: Don't ride in a group if you want to stay with the herd.
If you lead shy or timid horses away from the group, they will get upset.Your horse will be happy if you stick with the group.If you move away from the group, your horse can buck or become upset.Try not to ride too close together as that can cause a horse to kick.When you get behind when riding with a group, your horse suddenly wants to catch up.It may panic and rush into the group, causing chaos.
Step 22: You should maintain your balance.
This skill is important in all horse riding, and will help keep you safe when the horse tries a difficult maneuver.Make sure your shoulders are in line with your toes by pushing them back.Don't put weight on your feet when using your stirrups.If you need to jump or another maneuver, always return to this position.It's never a good idea to bounce around in the saddle.This could cause you to lose your balance and make the horse lose its balance.
Step 23: The reins should be used with care.
Don't jerk on your reins with too much force.The horse may be surprised by a sudden pull.When pulling on the reins, use steady and gentle pressure.
Step 24: You should keep your feet in a safe position.
When in the saddle, keep your stirrups on the ball of your foot.You can slip your feet out of the stirrups in this position.If the horse starts bucking or acting dangerously, it's a good idea to slip your feet out quickly.
Step 25: On rough terrain, go slowly.
Slow down in areas that do not have a trail.There are unknown dangers that could cause your horse to fall.If you're not sure about the area, slow down.Don't let your horse go too fast because they like to race.If your horse knows it is going towards home, it may try to go faster.Things can get out of control if you slow it down.
Step 26: Keep control of the horse.
You will have a harder time controlling the horse if he isn't listening.If you think the horse isn't paying attention, try squeezing the reins in different hands.The bit will wiggle to alert the horse.If it's necessary, stop.If your horse gets nervous when another horse passes by, stop the horse.Let another rider know what's going on and try to calm the horse.
Step 27: Pull the horse's head to the side.
You can prevent the horse from rearing by reacting quickly.Pull the head to one side with a rein and push the hindquarters out to the other side as soon as it starts to scare.The horse will no longer be able to push off its hindquarters and rear because of its weight on its forequarters.Pull down and back.This can cause the horse to flip over.
Step 28: Stay on the horse.
If you lose control of the horse, it's a good idea to slowly slow and calm your mount.Even if they've been running wild, most horses will eventually slow down and stop.Use your own balance to hold on to the horse.The horse will increase its speed if you hold on to your calves.If you can't stay on the horse, jump and roll.