There are Two Types Of Riders: Those Whoâve Fallen Off and Those Who Will

I can’t take credit for the deep thought, “There are two types of riders: those who’ve fallen off and those who will.” But it sure does make for a great blog topic, so I can certainly take it and run with it. (Props go to fellow Horses in the Morning fan Ron for posting this on Facebook in support of host Jamie after she took a fall a week ago.)

A few weeks ago I was talking with my boss whose 10-year-old daughter is taking weekly riding lessons from a friend of mine. He was telling me that she was so proud of herself because she’s never fallen off. I can just see her going around with her little chest puffed out, telling people what a great rider she is for never eating dirt.

And while I can see that line working on a non-horse person – I’m sure you can just imagine my big eye roll. Because everyone knows that you have to fall off at least seven times before you can be considered a good rider.

For us crazy equestrians, our first fall is some kind of rite of passage. You can’t reach maturity as a rider until you’ve been ejected from your saddle a few times.

The Fall That Made Me an Adult in the Horse World

My “rite of passage” first fall came when I was 9-years-old and I was just learning to canter on my Quarter Horse pony Smoke. We had mastered the walk and trot, and my trainer (also known as my mom, “Hi mom!”) had me try my first canter ever. And it was great. We cantered around once, I kept my seat, and she was duly impressed. So she had me try it without my stirrups.

I think we made it two strides before I did a neat little somersault over Smoke’s rump and landed on my rear in the sand.

I was hopping mad at her, and refused to canter again for a few months.

But – I had gotten that ultra-scary first fall out of the way. And once it’s happened that first time, you just don’t worry about falling any more. I couldn’t tell you what my second, third, or fourth fall were. It just wasn’t a big deal any more. Some are more memorable than others, and rather than fear or shame they come accompanied with a big laugh:

• There was the time my TB mare Penny started bucking at the far corner of the big hayfield, and after hanging  on to her neck sideways for a few strides I gave up and slid off – and she hightailed it (literally, tail straight up in the air) right back to the barn. I wasn’t hurt, but boy was I ticked!
• There was also the time Penny (spookiest horse on the planet) came to a sliding stop that could rival a reiner – on the landing side of a 2 foot 9 inch jump. I went straight over her head. Didn’t stand a chance.
• I’ve had  one fall off of Ace – one winter riding bareback he gave a gigantic straight-up-and-sideways-while-still-in-the-air jump at a cat (yes, a cat), and I was sitting in the sand before I knew what happened. The best part was that as I gathered myself, I looked over to see my friend also sitting in the sand next to me because the horse she was riding pulled a monkey-see monkey-do spook with Ace.
• And my closest thing to a bad fall was when a TB gelding reared up and fell over on me (fortunately we were both fine outside of a few scrapes). I was more concerned that he’d scratched my brand-new saddle.

There was the time I went over a jump – without the naughty pony I was riding, and plenty of little falls while goofing around with my friends. I think of all of these as battles won, moments to be proud of, honor medals to pin to the chest of my show coat.

How To Handle a Fall From a Horse

There are a few people in the horse world who advocate “practicing” how to fall off a horse – or at the very least understanding some basic concepts for protecting yourself. The point is that you can train your body to automatically protect itself, preventing serious injury. They practice rolling onto their shoulders from a standing position along with other tumbling exercises.

Here are a few key tips to try to keep in mind during the nano seconds you have to think before you hit the dirt:

1. DO NOT try to break your fall. I have a friend at the barn who fell off and tried to catch herself with her hands – and broke BOTH her wrists. Tuck your arms in, tuck your head down, keep your legs in, and let a hardier part of your body take the brunt of the fall.
2. DO the tuck and roll. Try to land on your shoulder if you can – and roll away from your horse as you land.
3. DO let go of the reins. You can get tangled up, drug, or pull your horse over on top of you.
4. DO hop up right away and grab your horse ONLY if you are not stunned or injured.
5. DO NOT try to move if you think might be injured. Wait for help to come – or if you are by yourself get your cell phone out and call for help.

And if you are in the vicinity when a fellow rider falls, for goodness sakes please check on your friend before you grab her horse (unless there are a few of you, then be sure someone has your friend first and then you can worry about the horse). Have her lie still and assess – can she breathe, is she in pain, where is there pain, can she move fingers, toes, arms, and legs. If you think there’s even a remote chance that there is a serious injury – DO call 911 and get an ambulance there right away. It’s not worth taking the risk of further injury by trying to move her yourself.

Basic Safety Precautions for Riding

Also, you can prevent many serious injuries by taking some basic safety precautions:

• Always wear an approved, correctly-fitting helmet. Any time you get on a horse there is a chance you will fall off. It’s not worth the risk.
• Wear long pants and boots with heels – avoid thick soles.
• Make sure your tack is well-fitting, clean, and in good condition.

Your “Rite of Passage” Fall and Tips

So, do you agree that your first horseback riding fall is a rite of passage in the horse world? What was your first fall? And last but not least, what safety tips would you add to this list?

Read this article here