Falling off!

Had a ridiculous fall after horse took a (small) jump awkwardly and I have multiple rib fractures and soft tissue damage. Can't quite believe it! Time on a spinal board and in an ambulance last night made me count my blessings that it's just ribs tho!
 
For 10 years I had a 13.3hh pony who could (and regularly did) throw anyone for sport. I came off him so many times it's a wonder I'm still here, and must be an expert by the 'falling off' measure.

Whilst I'm still not much of a rider, he did teach me how to stay on, and I've hardly fallen off anything else in the 10 years since I sold him on as a driving pony!
 
My worst fall was when a friend had supposedly tightened my dressage girth for me but hadn't done it enough- saddle slipped round in canter and I broke my collar bone. Moral, always check your own girth!
Last couple have been from spooking at a pheasant and jumping when she threw in a dirty stop.
I'm currently nursing injuries from 2 falls in the space of 5 minutes, but this was off a racing bike so doesn't count- I can assure you it hurts just as much though!
 
Funniest fall: As a kid, riding my share pony in from the field when he saw a deliciously muddy puddle. He took a flying leap into it, I toppled off backwards, and spent the rest of the day leaving a trail of mud behind me.

Worst fall: Took a friend's recently off-track TB out on a xc course to try him out as a potential share. He spooked, I (stupidly) clamped my legs on to stay on board, he objected by bucking. I came out of the saddle enough to land on the pommel, which fractured my spine, and then I toppled off. I was so winded that I couldn't move, and my poor friend thought I'd died!

Most recent fall: Jumped out of the saddle by a wee 13.2hh highland who decided the 18" cross-pole was boring and she'd rather jump the invisible pole way above it. Second fall after fracturing my spine. Considering the first fall after fracturing my spine resulted in a broken finger, I was pleasantly surprised not to have to go to hospital!
 
FfionWinnie said:
Had a ridiculous fall after horse took a (small) jump awkwardly and I have multiple rib fractures and soft tissue damage. Can't quite believe it! Time on a spinal board and in an ambulance last night made me count my blessings that it's just ribs tho!
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Oh, goodness! I hope you're feeling better soon!
 
For me the fall that still makes when smile when I think of it was to a very small pony club boy who was known to be a bit of a baby and who was always to be seen chewing sweets. At the junior camp I was helping at, his pony slid to a gently halt and he slipped off the side onto the grass, landing on his feet but falling on his side. The screaming was deafening and his mother, who had seen the fall, rushed over and was very cross with him for making such a fuss over nothing. However, he kept screaming and pointed at his side, it was then she realised that his pocket was crammed with sweets and he had been "stabbed" by a lollipop. No damage was done but we often laugh over it!
 
My best one was when we were jumping a ditch, many, many years ago when I was about 11. The horse I was on stopped just before the ditch, so I sat back and relaxed, ready to turn him round and try again. He chose that moment to jump. I was flung forward, did a perfect somersault and landed on my feet on the other side, still holding the reins. Wish we'd had video/camera phones then! Ever since then I've always managed to fall on my bum or my back. Not nearly as elegant.
 
I have had so many falls I couldn't even tell you.

Everytime I tried to jump I fell off so I stopped jumping :D

Never fallen off out hacking (road is a bit too hard, I'll avoid it if I can).

Fallen off in the school more times than I can count, mainly being bucked off or a big spook.

Fallen off in the field twice. First time the stirrup came off my saddle mid gallop, my lovely share horse decided I was unbalanced and in his wisdom he stopped. I flew off over his head. Second time I was riding a cob bareback who had a horrid trot for bareback (a bit like a sewing maching) so I taught him walk to canter. Unfortunately on this occasion his went into trot and I bounced off the side :D

Same cob also bucked me off in a competition warm up little swine!

Current mare I have never fallen off but she hasn't been in work for a few years now. Not proper work.

ETA: I think the 7 times thing is to make kids feel a bit better about coming off, it is inevitable that when you ride a live animal you will fall off! And as a child learning to ride it was my biggest fear and I think it is for alot of children. Tell them that once they fall off 7 times they are a "proper" rider, they suddenly don't feel so bad about it :)
 
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