It’s happened to all of us at least once or twice, if not more. We’ve fallen off of our horses. But just because you fall doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get back on. And more importantly, falling off of a horse doesn’t need to end in a serious injury. If you take the proper precautions, you should be able to avoid getting hurt even if you fall to the ground.
One of the most important things you can do to avoid getting hurt is to wear the proper gear. Never go without a riding helmet, and make sure you choose one that actually fits your head. The rest of your clothing choices are important as well. You should be wearing boots that won’t get trapped in stirrups, long pants, and even a body protector.
In the event that you do fall, try to avoid tensing your muscles. Once you tense up, your body won’t be able to absorb as much of the impact. Try to stay calm and relaxed even when you fall, and you should experience less pain afterwards.
Ducking is also a good way to avoid head injuries, and rolling away from the horse as soon as you hit the ground is smart. If you fell because the horse started acting up, you don’t want to be near their hooves if they are still moving around.
Of course, if you do feel any severe pain it is important to seek professional medical help as soon as possible. Even a minor muscle ache can turn into a lifelong problem if not properly examined and healed. Follow these general tips to make each and every one of your rides a pleasant experience for both you and the horse, and remember to stay safe out there!