Behind the Bit

---

How to fall off a horse Posted: 07 Feb 2010 01:53 PM PST "Flying is simple. You just throw yourself at the ground and miss." Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy I've known a couple of adult riders who have injured themselves badly from what should have been a minor fall. Here are some hints to prevent injury: Keep your appendages close to your body (tuck and roll). The most common in injuries are in the wrist, elbow, and shoulder Roll away from the horse Ride (and drive, for that matter) on an empty bladder to avoid bladder damage. The two best places to land are on your rear end or your feet. Bend at the knee as you land if you land on your feet. Wear a helmet of course! Don't hold on to the reins. Make sure your boot size and stirrup size are compatible. Avoid clothing that will "catch" (I always wonder about hoodies). Remember that 20% of injuries occur on the ground (not riding-related). One tidbit that I have heard, but not read in any article, is do not "fight" the fall. Once you become unbalanced, let go. Of course in show jumping and eventing you see counter-examples of this every day. RESOURCES Strides Rider and Volunteer Newsletter (focus on falling?), May 2007 issue Learn how to fall off a horse from Equisearch.com Falling off a horse from youngrider.com Horseback riding injuries from Hughston Health Alert

You are subscribed to email updates from Behind the Bit To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610