How to Avoid Falling off a Horse

If your horse tries to run away with you, stay calm., Grip with your thighs and keep your lower legs relaxed., Sink your heels down into the stirrups; this will push you down into the saddle and keep you on the horse. , Shorten one side of the...

14 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: If your horse tries to run away with you

    Sit back in the saddle
    - think of it as sitting on your back pockets.

    Don't lean forward.

    This way, if the horse veers, you won't keep going over the top of his head.
  2. Step 2: stay calm.

    Try not to let your legs flop around or nudge the horse with your calves.

    He will think you want him to go faster. ,, Let the short-rein hand sit on your thigh and pull the horse into a turn.

    The horse will have to slow down.

    Keep pulling, forcing him in small and small circles until he stops.

    You'll have more power if you keep your arms close to your body. , Find it with your toes. , On an English saddle, there is often a little strip of leather called a bucking strap.

    On a Western saddle, grab the horn and press your seat down into the saddle.

    You can also hold onto the horse's mane at the withers
    - the little crest at the base of his mane.

    It won't hurt the horse. , Whatever he's got in mind, he's not going to keep going forever.

    Just concentrate on keeping your seat, and you'll be all right.
  3. Step 3: Grip with your thighs and keep your lower legs relaxed.

  4. Step 4: Sink your heels down into the stirrups; this will push you down into the saddle and keep you on the horse.

  5. Step 5: Shorten one side of the reins

  6. Step 6: using your other hand to keep a strong grip on the leather as you slide the first hand forward.

  7. Step 7: If you've lost a stirrup

  8. Step 8: don't lean over.

  9. Step 9: If you need more stability

  10. Step 10: grab onto the saddle.

  11. Step 11: If you lose the reins

  12. Step 12: sit back

  13. Step 13: hold on

  14. Step 14: and wait for your horse to come to a stop.

Detailed Guide

Sit back in the saddle
- think of it as sitting on your back pockets.

Don't lean forward.

This way, if the horse veers, you won't keep going over the top of his head.

Try not to let your legs flop around or nudge the horse with your calves.

He will think you want him to go faster. ,, Let the short-rein hand sit on your thigh and pull the horse into a turn.

The horse will have to slow down.

Keep pulling, forcing him in small and small circles until he stops.

You'll have more power if you keep your arms close to your body. , Find it with your toes. , On an English saddle, there is often a little strip of leather called a bucking strap.

On a Western saddle, grab the horn and press your seat down into the saddle.

You can also hold onto the horse's mane at the withers
- the little crest at the base of his mane.

It won't hurt the horse. , Whatever he's got in mind, he's not going to keep going forever.

Just concentrate on keeping your seat, and you'll be all right.

About the Author

R

Robert Jackson

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