Falling Off a Horse

 lots of transitions and try to keep his attention on you, not what’s going on around him. Keep fairly short reins and keep his head up a little higher than usual. He’ll find it hard to buck if his head isn’t on the ground. If he starts bucking, shorten your reins, lean back in the saddle, push your feet forward and give him a BIG kick to get him moving forward.Your horse refuses a fence but you fly over it!

Be prepared before jumping. Warm up on the flat properly. Ease into jumping by popping over smaller fences first. Don’t over-face your horse and jump fences that are too high. Don’t lean too far forward in front of a fence. Rest your rear end lightly in the saddle and sit up straight. Push those heels down to give you more security in the saddle.Your horse over-jumps a fence and throws you out of the saddle.

If your horse has a tendency to over-jump, lower your stirrups a hole and sit back a little deeper in the saddle. Don’t get into the traditional jumping position. You’re safer if you get slightly left behind, rather than getting thrown five feet out of the saddle!Your horse stops or turns suddenly.

Try not to let your horse stop or turn without your permission. You should give him instructions—not the other way around! Ride with shorter reins and keep your legs on your horse’s sides at all times. Nudge him forward with your lower legs and ask him to work and listen to you.

The actual fall

Falling off can happen quickly. There’s not a lot of time to think! But here are a few things to try to remember as you’re flying through the air!

Let go of the reins. It’s a natural instinct to want to keep hold of the reins, but you could break an arm by doing this. Many horses put down their heads and graze after you fall, and if your mount runs off someone will catch him eventually. Broken reins are better than broken arms or wrists.

Bring your arms close to your body. Most hand and wrist injuries are caused by riders trying to break their fall by putting their arms out. It’s better to tuck up into a “ball” and land on your shoulder and then roll over. When you’re tucked up into a ball, you’re less likely to get