Top 10: Avoiding a Fall & What to Do When You Fall Off Anyway!

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Nobody ever plans to take a digger, but if you're around horses sooner or later it's going to happen. We've put together a Top 10 to hopefully help you avoid hitting the dirt, but with a few thoughts to keep you safe if and when you do.

1. Check Your Tack. Yep – this sounds basic, but make sure the girth is nice and tight prior to mounting up. Check your billet, stirrup leathers and connections to make sure everything is as it should be. Look at the bridle and see that the reins are buckled and attached properly to the headstall and bit. Make sure all buckles and keeps are in their proper place. Chin straps and throat latches should be tight, but not too tight. Do this before every ride.
2. Proper Attire. Wear boots ALWAYS. And make sure they have a heel and can move easily both in and out the stirrup. Remember, the stirrup shouldn't be so broad that your foot can slip all the way through. On a hot summer's day a helmet can be uncomfortable, but whatever your experience level the right helmet will protect you in a fall. In our world it's about choice, but if you do take a monster fall and hit something hard with your head, you'll be grateful you had the proper protection.
3. No Phone Calls! Cell phones are convenient and a safety tool. They are also a nuisance and can be dangerous if you become too distracted by the phone while riding. Put the phone on vibrate so if someone calls a loud ring won't spook your horse. Don't answer calls. There's a reason you can't talk on your cell while driving a vehicle in many states and don't even think about texting while on your horse. Keep your cell on you, but don't use it unless it's an emergency as in you got bucked off and your horse is headed back to the barn. Which reminds us: Keep the phone on you, not on the horse. Same reason.
4. No Grease. We all like our horses to look lovely while riding, but Oil or Show Sheen make for a slippery coat. Avoid using these products prior to saddling. We recommend only “greasing up” for the show pen and after you're all tacked up and ready to go.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Grab Mane. If your horse gets jiggy, grab a chunk to keep yourself centered. If you're fortunate enough to experience a rear now and again, sit forward and grab some mane to steady yourself and get your horse to move forward. Do not pull on the reins or you're going to go over. You're trying to stay as balanced over your horse's center as possible. Be careful if you have a “bucker”. If you lean forward on a bucker, you're likely to get knocked in the teeth. Again, keep yourself in the center of the horse's movement… think PBR.
6. Stop, Drop and Roll. These are three handy words for more than a fire drill. If you know you're going to go off, don't try to break your fall by putting out your hands, arms or legs. You probably won't break your fall, you'll just break bones. We're not saying this is easy to think about mid-spook or when you find yourself airborne, but try to tuck and roll as you land while moving away from your agitated horse. Hopefully, you won't have the opportunity to practice this one often.
7. Run. Ask the Tattooed Reiner or Hoyt about this one. If you have a horse that's prone to tripping it can really be scary. A lot can be done to alleviate the problem with good farrier work, but some horses just tend to trip more than others. If you're horse is moving fast and you see his head go down between his front legs, get your feet out of those stirrups and start running. When that horse goes down you'll hit the ground moving and have a better than even chance of outrunning your horse's body.
8. Too Late - Assess. You've taken a digger. Think about yourself first. Did you break anything? As you're thinking about this look at your horse. If you're in an enclosed ring, you have some time. Visually look at him and see if his tack is in order. If he's not in danger of getting tripped up from a saddle that's falling off, or reins twisted up, stay calm. Don't grab at him. He's probably a little off balance as well since you're no longer on his back. If you're with others, let them help get your horse situated.
9. Outside and On Your Own. Most of us know it's not the best idea to hit the trails on our own with even the most broke horses. That said it probably hasn't stopped us. When at all possible ride with someone. It's smart and safer. When you hit the dirt, literally, on the trail you have a decision to make. If you're not seriously injured, it's a good idea to get control of your horse as soon as possible. If you don't your horse will head back to the barn (hopefully) and you'll be stranded. It's better to let your horse go, however, if you've done some damage to yourself.
10. 24 Hour Rule. Once you've taken a digger, pay attention to yourself and to your horse for at least 24 hours. Everything may feel and look fine for both you and your horse, but the next 24 hours will be telling. Look for hematomas, muscle soreness and lameness in both you and your horse based on the extent of the digger you and your horse experienced. Don't be afraid to call the vet or your doc to make sure the injury isn't serious.

Have a tip or your own or a great digger story to tell? Chime in by commenting below or posting in the Forum connected to this article. Discuss ->

See It –Do It!

Comments  

Posted On

Sep 01, 2008

Posted By

tattooed reiner

Great article! I'll have to share a story related to #7 above when I get some time.

TR

Posted On

Sep 20, 2008

Posted By

christian cowgirl

I like this article too! I wish I could have seen it sooner. I have fallen off because of tack problems. Don't let anyone touch your saddle that doesn't know what theyre doing! I let some one adjust my girth and less than an hour I was on the ground and the horse was out of the ring that day it was just a considance that I was wearing a helmet. I usually just where my cowboy hat but I changed to get ready for contesting. thank God that everything turned out ok.

Posted On

Sep 25, 2008

Posted By

Danielle

Mental note... when you do take a fall let go of the reins... you will catch the horse quicker than the leather burn will dissappear from your hands.

Posted On

Sep 26, 2008

Posted By

Victoria van Loan

Very good article. I'm sure it was difficult to narrow it down to 10 tips. One I've learned is to wear gear that snaps instead of buttons when possible. It diminishes the risk of being stuck if caught on something (like the pommel on a Western saddle). If not jackets that snap then at least dual-direction zip coat.

Posted On

Sep 29, 2008

Posted By

Palominos_Rock555

i had a trainer that tought me how to correctly fall off if i had to bail. I worked with a young horse when i was very young, so it came in hady a lot. The emergency dismount has helped me soo many times. Great article!

Posted On

Sep 29, 2008

Posted By

horseaddict

Wish I'd read this before my lesson last Saturday! I especially liked the part about not trying to brace yourself but to roll. My elbow is a bit sore at the moment from not knowing that. I should have let go of the reins, but all I could think of was trying to stay on and recover my balance. Oh well. If (or when) there's a next time...

Posted On

Oct 23, 2008

Posted By

blueyedgirl_88

this is so true, it was a very good article. i have fallen off many of times and usually its my fault lol so this is a good piece for people like lo;
Kate

Posted On

Nov 20, 2008

Posted By

make_it_8

ok yea. check ur tack. BIG ONE!!!! i was jumpin' oneday and the meatle thing on the saddle that holds my stirrup leather on broke when i landed a jump. and leave it 2 my luck. i was runnin' my horse 2day (western... my favorite) and my stirrup iron came off of the leather (i didn't fall off 2day though). the buckle came undone. same side 2.

Posted On

Jan 08, 2009

Posted By

cins32

Good article! One really important thing that is missing though - once you are certain that you are ok and your horse is ok, it is extremely important to get back on, right away! From personal experience I can tell you, the longer you wait getting back on - even without realizing it - your brain will keep the memory of your fall, and over time it will manafest itself as fear! It will take you a lot longer to get over the fear than you realize - and for some, you may not even realize you are dealing with a fear issue! So with each fall, once you and your horse are ok - make sure you get right back on! Thank you

Posted On

Jan 21, 2009

Posted By

Lido

That was a great article! And I can personally attest to Tip #1. If you buy a used saddle let someone else "break" it in! I came off twice--because different parts of the tack broke. I will never again get on a spooky horse with an untried saddle and tack!

Posted On

Jan 27, 2009

Posted By

friesiansownme

I second what cins32 says about getting right back on as soon as you can. Having fallen twice, and twice breaking my pelvis, the fear of getting back on increases. When I was healed, and able to swing my leg up high enough to mount I went to ride again. As I stood on the mounting block, with 1 foot in the iron, and my hand on the saddle, I realized I was shaking beyond my control. I started to cry, and got down and walked away from my horse. I could not get on him. I did so eventually, with the help of a lot of friends, and today I do not fear getting up. (of course I do fear another ditch!!)

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fall."-Confucious

Posted On

Jan 31, 2009

Posted By

lauram

Great article.

Posted On

Feb 11, 2009

Posted By

Hosler

I also agree with everyone about the get you butt back in the saddle as soon as you safely can. I made the mistake of not getting back on rite away after taking a pretty bad fall which included being dragged on a fence(it was get dragged & have ur legs cut up or let go & faceplant into a wooden fence including the posts! I chose to hang on) That was 7 1/2 years ago & I'm still dealing with fear issues. Thankfully with help of many friends, I've been able to overcome most of them but a few still linger. And yes, double check ur tack!

Posted On

Feb 26, 2009

Posted By

Walk_Trot_Canter_

These are some great tips. I am not a very good rider at all so I tend to fall off more then I ride. So I should be pretty good at the falling part but these are some great tips for me to keep in mind!

Posted On

Mar 17, 2009

Posted By

sunny_daze

Sunday a week ago, I got to find out what my first fall felt like!! LOL. I was riding Shatan, (the Arabian in my pro picture), and everything was going just peachy. My 4 year old niece had been on him, his owner had been on him, my sis had been on him, and I was the last to ride. Well I was leisurely walking him through the field, when the horses in the pasture next to the field started causing a ruckus. Apparently Shatan wanted to go say hello, so he took off as fast as he could. Well Im not quite good at riding yet, so needless to say, I was grabbing mane, pulling reins, and shouting WHOA as hard as I could. That didnt help at all! LOL. I lost my balance and hit the ground. Luckily I managed to tuck and roll, and didnt get badly hurt. Im pretty sore still, but It could have been alot worse!

Posted On

Apr 03, 2009

Posted By

Fireblond

In my experience (limited as it is), I have realized that one has to stay alert at all times... NEVER get too comfy and relaxed, EVEN if you are great friends with your horse. A mutual respect is essential, and one must remember that you are dealing with an animal who, even if he is highly schooled and well trained, will react on instinct. Being sensitive and alert to his moods and his body language, may prevent unnecessary mishaps!

Posted On

Apr 12, 2009

Posted By

cinders

Very good article. The other thing to think about is the older you get, the easier bones break and the harder they heal. Going to have to remember the tuck and roll. lol

Posted On

May 03, 2009

Posted By

rebelfilly

I agree with everything especially the DONT GRAB YOUR REINS! Especially if your horse is rearing & you are falling off! I seen a girl on a horse that started to rear up almost pull her horse on top of her. He was on his back legs & she was falling & instead of letting go she held onto the reins & was pulling him on top of her.

Posted On

May 13, 2009

Posted By

TobyLAdy

Amen to Rules 1 and 2......We were bout 1mile into the trail...3 of us Me on Toby in the number two slot..a trail i knew well...we came to a 6ft medium incline bank...I ride with a steady hand but will give my horse more head to pull a bank.I gave Toby his head and out of the blue he bucks twice..(i adjust) then he crow hops hard 2-3 times (all this on the way up the bank)at the top hes goin for the buck again..I am thinkin.BS.. so i pull round on the left rein to pull him out of the buck as Im hunkering my left foot into the stirrup..that isnt there...leg goes down my balance is off, and so am I,(on the up buck)..its along way down and onto hard flat rock ground. I roll into a ball on the way down mostly to gaurd my head..actually turned out to be the smart move. Wow im hurt but mostly P'd off at my self, for Toby is one stout horse and the saddle I used was my LONG legged friends (should have shortened the stirrup). Did i say i was mad i was and i was back on him as fast as he had decided to buck..we rode three more hours that day ..NO probs. Good Article. been ridin since i was five and remember seeing lots of HORSE BELLY.;-)

Posted On

May 15, 2009

Posted By

Celticmom02

I found this article helpful, especially since i havent had the priviledge of falling off.. I dont know if i am just lucky or have ridden good horses.. I have been in situations where i could have been dumped but was able to stay on and recover. Great Article!

Posted On

May 22, 2009

Posted By

jumpNride227

One day when i was riding my horse decided to stop short in front of a jump. i did what i like to call a flying dismount.... went right over his head and surprisingly landed on my feet. ha ha These tips are handy.

Posted On

May 22, 2009

Posted By

DaisyMaesMom

I ALWAYS wear my helmet! At the barn I ride at now, most people don't wear them at all and i just think that's the stupidest thing ever!! Why not wear it? Mess up your hair? Makes you a little sweaty? Wait till you fall off one of these times (and we ALL do!!!)-if you don't have your helmet on and you hit something hard, you'll WISH you did!! It's like wearing a seatbelt-it's a pain it the tush when you don't need it, but the second you do, you're very glad you had it on.

Posted On

May 23, 2009

Posted By

DaisyMaesMom

Not even 24 hours after I wrote the Wear a Helmet thing, one of the girls at our barn (underage, I might add-the barn SHOULD have a rule that under 18 has to wear a helmet at all times) went and fell off her horse outside without a helmet. I think she's doing ok, but she was on the ground for a long time!! What do you guys think about a helmet rule? Is it just me being overcautious?? I think it's S*T*U*P*I*D to allow underage kids to ride without a helmet! Everyone should, but once you're over 18 and you're a consenting adult, it's your own choice if you want to be dangerous or not.

Posted On

May 27, 2009

Posted By

MissJumper88

Celticmom02: Definitely you've just been lucky. No matter how good your horse is, things happen. About a week ago I was riding a pony in a lesson, and he is amazing! However, what my instructor didn't tell me was that he is deathly afraid of Annie (a mare who loves to kick). So we were just riding along peacefully, and as Annie passed us, Tony bolted sideways and I ended up faceplanting in the dirt.
I laughed at myself...I've been riding 11 years, and jumping most of that time, so I'm so used to falling off haha.
I do agree with the helmet thing. They're ESPECIALLY important if you're jumping, but really, I think everyone should wear them. Riders get too cocky and think "it won't happen to me"...but chances are, some day it will! Better to be safe than sorry.

Posted On

Jun 02, 2009

Posted By

Chase

Gymnastics, or Ju-Jitsu training helps...

Practice falling from the ground first, until you don't hurt yourself.
Then move on to higher things like a chair, fence or horse. You should already be schooled in the Emergency Dismount, so add a tumble to that.

Above all else, do it under supervision, and on a soft surface!

Bliss and blessings

Posted On

Jul 17, 2009

Posted By

lauram

I took a spill back in June. First one in 20 years. Back then I didn't wear a helmet, now I do. Thankfully, it was strapped on my head as I hit the rubber/wire fence and slingshotted back under my horse. One of his hooves grazed the top of my head.

Nothing was broken, thank God, but I was bruised from my left shoulder down to my ankle. My underwire bra attacked me doing the fall and those were some of the worse bruises on my arm and under my arm. I wear a phone strapped to my ankle when I ride, in case I fall and get hurt, and I still have the lump and bruise from falling on the phone.

You can never be too safe.

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