How To Not Fall Off a Horse

There are many things you can do to help prevent a fall.The probability of a potentially dangerous fall will be greatly decreased if you follow these steps.Happy trails!

Step 1: The saddle needs to be squeezed with your thighs.

You will be able to stay balanced if you keep yourself on the saddle.

Step 2: Keep the stirrup on the ball of your feet as you put your heels down.

Your foot is less likely to go through the stirrup if the horse scares you and you fall.

Step 3: Keep your reigns short.

You will keep them short so you can feel the horses mouth on the other side.Hopefully you weren't walking and falling off.

Step 4: You should watch where you are going.

The horse might bolt if you hit it.If you think you could hit, keep a close watch.

Step 5: Sit straight up.

You want your belly button to be in line with the saddle and back, so you don't put the horse off balance.Take your horse back if it takes off or goes too fast.Lean back and steer your horse in circles-- big at first, then smaller, and smaller.Some people try to stop their horses from running.Don't do that!Your horse is most likely to slam on the breaks or snatch you over the edge.Slowly, you slow your horse until he's under control.Turn him around so he doesn't trip.If this doesn't work, you can either half stop, or pull your hands back to your waist, and say in a deep tone, 'Woah'.This can stop them in a timely manner.

Step 6: Stay calm.

Stay calm if your horse is frightening.Don't worry.If you are nervous, your horse can sense it.Stay calm if your horse scares you.Don't panic.It's a very soothing voice.It will calm you.Turn your horse away from the potentially scary object and head in a different direction.Your horse will eventually calm down if you make them concentrate on you and the reigns.

Step 7: You have two options if you lose your stirrup.

If you need to do an emergency dismount, stop your horse and get your stirrup back.If you want to squeeze with your legs to hold on, don't search for your stirrup, it will handicap you.If they buck.If you want to disengage their hindquarters, you have to pull the reins to the left or the right.They can only move in a tight circle.If you use the other hand to move along the reins, you can create a tight'scrunch' around the horses neck, which makes them unable to buck.

Step 8: Rearing.

A horse usually backs up before he rears, so if he's been acting frustrated or is known for rearing, kick him forward!If he rears, don't pull the reigns; that could cause the horse to topple over and land on you.The most accurate result is no fall if you put your weight forward.

Step 9: Take action.

If you can, try to help get the horse under control before it hurts itself, another horse, or a person.