If you are going to spend a lot of time around horses, it is a good idea to take a first aid course. Hopefully, you are always going to choose when you get off your horse. But, ‘unscheduled dismounts’ happen, and it is best if you know how to handle the situation, whether it’s you or someone else who falls off.
Trail Riding in a Group
Ideally, when riding in a group while trail riding, try to be aware of the skill and confidence level of the other riders and the temperament and training of the other horses. You then need to plan your route and set your pace with the least capable horse and rider pair in mind. Overwhelming a horse or rider by going too fast, traveling over rough terrain, or going too far and horse and rider fatigue are invitations to trouble.
If a rider falls off, you will have to take a quick assessment of the situation. Sometimes riders are lucky enough to hold onto the reins, dust themselves off and remount. If they’re a bit shaky after the fall, it’s a good idea to dismount your own horse and steady theirs as they remount. However, in the case of a really bad fall, you need to look after the rider first. Even if the horse leaves the scene, you will have to wait until you check to see if the rider is okay before retrieving the horse. If the rider needs first aid or medical attention, see to this first. Carrying a cell phone while riding can be a huge help as can letting someone know what your planned route is. This way help and emergency crews can find you quickly.
If the Horse Leaves
Only after the rider is looked after is it time to look to the horse. If the horse has left the scene, it may simply find its way home. If not, the loose horse may seek companionship and safety near other horses or even other livestock. If the horse isn’t found quickly, notify authorities providing clear photos and a description. Begin your search at the place the horse was last seen. Notify anyone living in the vicinity, and leave your contact information with them. Searchers should have halters and leads as the loose horse’s bridle may be missing.
Riding in an Arena
When you ride in a ring or arena, you need to be as aware of green horses and/or novice rider combinations just as you would be when riding on the trail. Arena etiquette is also important when there are several people riding at the same time. Stables should have emergency numbers such as fire and ambulance services and have the physical address of the barn posted. If someone does fall off, all other riders should halt their horses and dismount if necessary.
Falls in an arena can start a ‘chain reaction’ among the horses. If a loose horse runs around excitedly, the other horses may become excited too, causing more problems. The instructor or someone knowledgeable in first aid should attend first to the rider, and someone will need to catch the loose horse. Only after the rider is looked after, and the horse is under control should the others mount up and continue their ride.
How to Fall
If you get into a situation where a fall is inevitable, you’ll have a split second to decide whether or not to hold onto the reins. If you are in an enclosed area, it should be safe to let go of them. If you are out on the trail, you might try to hold on to the reins. If your horse gets loose, not only will you have a long walk home, but you might also be endangering your horse, anyone else on the trail, or even drivers if you’ve crossed roads en route. There will be circumstances where it isn’t possible to decide. If your horse is bolting or bucking, it is always better to release the reins to prevent being dragged or entangled.
If you know you are going to fall, try to kick your feet free from the stirrups. Ideally, you’ll have one of those long slow descents that leave you sitting on your backside with your horse looking down at you in surprise. If not, try to roll out of the way of your horse’s legs. Don’t stick your arms out to break your fall as this may increase the chances of breaking a bone, or having parts sticking out that the horse may step on. Instead, think of curling like a hedgehog.
Getting Back On
If the rider and horse are not injured, the rider should be encouraged to remount the horse and continue the ride. It’s understandable to have your confidence shaken, sometimes badly, after a fall, but remounting quickly after the fall will help the rider mentally push these emotions aside. Talking about what happens and why and how (if possible) the fall could have been avoided can help everyone learn from the situation, turning a negative into a positive.
There is no way to completely avoid falls when you are riding. Further, there is no guarantee you will fall without injury, but by following these recommendations and the Safety Tips for Horseback Riding may help you lessen the impact of a fall while horseback riding.
