Falling Off

[worldchimp]

Please can you offer any advice. Over the weekend, I fall off my lad. He was spooked by a hare jumping out off the track. I fell off and he galloped home. Luckily, my OH was walking up the lane behind me and he caught him.

Apart from taking my mobile with me and letting someone know where I am going on a hack and what time left/return. Do you have any more advice of precautions that I can take when hacking out alone? Just slightly apprehensive know.

 

[rooooosie]

keep hold of the reins

I don't think their are any other precautions you can take other than riding out in company

 

[cokelly]

Yeah when out hacking the safest thing you can do is keep hold of your reins! I was always taught to let go of them as soon as you start falling but I reckon that when you hack it should be a dif story!

 

[katie_southwest]

I make sure I alway have my mobile in my pocket, always have Hi Vis on incase Im injured somewhere Il be spotted so much easier, and let someone know that Im going out. YO lives about 100 metres from the yard so sees us coming and going but still like to be as safe as I can

 

[Hels_Bels]

Perhaps attach something to your saddle which includes your mobile number and the yard's name then if you d fall and someone catches your horse they know how to contact you

 

[Kenzo]

Body protecter if you really want to ensure your own safety as much as possible.

Also helps to have some kind of identification/emergency number on you.

They do toggles that you can clip to your jacket with the info, plus always make sure your phone does not come out of your pocket, like mine did. I had to search for it the next day.

 

[The Bouncing Bog Trotter]

Let people at the yard know your route, attach a dog tag with your contact details to both saddle and bridle so anyone finding your horse knows where to return it to, wear hi-viz so you can be seen and have a card with your emergency contact details in your pocket - just in case someone finds you and you can't talk.

 

[NeilM]

I was taught to always hang on to the reins and a recent tumble, where my foot remained stuck in the (bent leg safety) stirrup, was a reminder why.

Also, try to remain calm and relaxed if you do fall and don't get into the 'what if' way of thinking. Watch kids, they fall off, bounce, get back on and carry on riding as if nothing happened. Work out WHY you fell off, that way you may be able to avoid it next time, but don't get hung up on the fact THAT you fell off, that route leads to a padded bedroom.

 

[Silverspring]

[ QUOTE ]
I fell off and he galloped home. Luckily, my OH was walking up the lane behind me and he caught him.


[/ QUOTE ]

Is anyone else a bit confused by that part?

maybe I'm just being slow it is a Monday after all!

I would get tags for the saddle or bridle that give an emergency contact, wouldn't put your own number down though as you might have broke the phone landing on it

maybe YO if they are reliable at answering.

I would never recommend holding onto the reins, it's a sure fire way to get a dislocated shoulder/wrist, get drag or stood upon. If you fall off think about numero uno, wear a body protector and try to roll into the fall, if the horse runs off it'll probably find it's way home safely enough...if not buy a new one

 

[Kenzo]

Sometimes you can't always hang onto the reins although it is my automatic reaction, however I once got my leg trampled on because i refused to let and can still feel the chipped bone, also on the occasion's I've been dragged by Mr M, i had to let go, it that or get my face re-arranged, its not perfect but I kinda like it the way it is.

Also check your insurance, some won't pay out unless you are wearing high viz.

 

[NeilM]

[ QUOTE ]
try to roll into the fall,

[/ QUOTE ]

This a major bug bear of mine. I trained in the Martial Arts for well over 20 years and the first thing you are taught in many MA's are break falls and rolls.

In my opinion ALL riders should undergo the same, basic, simple training. I am certain it would prevent many injuries, especially those sustained when a rider is ejected over the shoulder or head of their horse.

For sure you need to look after number one, but if you can do that and retain you mount, then all the better.

 

[beckyboo1991]

I know someone that kept hold of the reins and the horse kicked them in the arm and broke it very badly... So don't recommend holding on

 

[NeilM]

I know of two incidents where horses got away from their riders, one where the horse ran into a cattle grid and another where the horse ran onto a busy main road.

It is six of one and half a dozen of the other and depends very much on the circumstances.