| Horseback riding is a fun and enjoyable pastime | | | | been specifically designed for horseback riding and |
| enjoyed by many - and it's a very safe activity if you | | | | minimise the potential for serious head injury. Ensure |
| follow the guidelines and take the recommended | | | | your footwear is also appropriate - you should never |
| safety precautions. Of course, sometimes accidents | | | | go riding in trainers. If you do feel yourself falling, free |
| do happen - horses are independent creatures and | | | | your feet from the stirrups. Curl yourself in as your fall |
| they can sometimes throw a rider when they become | | | | - don't put your arms out to try and break your fall as |
| alarmed or startled. | | | | this will more likely result in bone breakage. Once on |
| Many riders who are thrown by their mount can find it | | | | the ground, try to roll yourself away from the animal's |
| tricky to "get back on the horse" and may avoid riding | | | | legs - for your own safety and to avoid spooking the |
| for some time. It's hard to recover from these incidents | | | | animal. |
| - you can feel like you have no control and even the | | | | Go back to basics |
| most experienced riders can lose confidence in their | | | | A lot of your fear will stem from your own loss of |
| riding abilities. | | | | confidence as a rider. Take some time to reacquaint |
| If you've fallen off the horse - it's time to get back on it! | | | | yourself with the basics. Ride around the ring, practice |
| Immediately after the fall | | | | simple gait changes, stops and starts. This will help you |
| If you fall off your horse, check yourself for injuries. | | | | feel in control of your mount and help you relax back |
| Once you determine that you really are okay, get back | | | | into the saddle. |
| in the saddle. An immediate recovery will reassure you | | | | Meanwhile, horse forums and riding communities are a |
| of your riding abilities and will make the experience | | | | great source of support when it comes to uneasiness |
| much less significant in your mind's eye. | | | | and fears. Even the most experienced riders will have |
| Learn how to fall | | | | moments of anxiety after a fall. Having a support |
| Learning the safe way to fall to avoid serious injury will | | | | network will help immensely in overcoming your fears. |
| help you feel better about falling in the future. First and | | | | They will also be able to provide you with useful and |
| foremost, ALWAYS wear a riding helmet - they have | | | | practical tips for safer riding. |