Getting back on after a fall

[QueenT]

So, my new horse of three weeks spooked on Monday and after several rounds of full-out gallop in a indoor arena, tossed me in the sand. Bruises, stiff muscles and very injured pride followed suit, including a very shocked pony-dad watching, but nothing more. I am not really scared of falling off as such, but it scared me a lot that she was completely beyond contact, and didn’t respond to anything. My daughter got on right after and trotted around a little bit while I caught my wind and then I got on and walked for ten minutes or so. Haven’t ridden since because my hip hurt, but I’m getting on today, where a friend in lunging me. The horse has been going nicely with my daughter and share rider all week. Any good advice on getting “back on” from a mental perspective? I don’t want to be/become a frightened rider… (which I am a little bit now)

 

[Arzada]

Is your friend competent at lunging, lunging with a rider on board and is your horse used to being lunged?

 

[QueenT]

Is your friend competent at lunging, lunging with a rider on board and is your horse used to being lunged?

yes, and yes

 

[ITPersonnage]

Hopefully she can reassure you then by warming up horse properly and making sure transitions are good before you get on. Good luck, we've all been there. Put it behind you and try to think positively

 

[tristar]

i would lunge the horse myself sans rider

 

[Carrottom]

Neckstrap?
Visualise trotting round beautifully on the lunge.
Don't do too much first time back on.
Enjoy your horse ?

 

[Tiddlypom]

If you haven't already got one, invest in an air jacket . IMHO they are really good at boosting confidence, even if, like me, you go to dismount at the end of your ride and realise that you forgot to clip in the lanyard after you'd mounted .

 

[Sossigpoker]

Look up Karl Greenwood. Then send time bonding with the horse and learning triggers. Mine used to bolt like this if you gripped , moved in the saddle or held the rein too rigidly. So we've spent over a year gradually desensitised him to movement in the saddle and me learning not to grip or pull. And in that time our bond has grown so that if he gets anxious , I know how to help him.

Your horse most likely ran out of fright so I wouldn't think of it as how to get him under control but rather as how you cam help him feel safe and feel like there's no need to run.

 

[asmp]

If you haven't already got one, invest in an air jacket . IMHO they are really good at boosting confidence, even if, like me, you go to dismount at the end of your ride and realise that you forgot to clip in the lanyard after you'd mounted .

Couldn’t agree more. I got mine after a nasty fall. A monkey strap also helps.

 

[Skib]

Although in theory one was told to get back on, I personally am taking a six weeks break to allow my head and ribs to heal.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Couldn’t agree more. I got mine after a nasty fall. A monkey strap also helps.

And me. Probably wouldn't have broken my back had I owned one and been wearing it when it happened.

 

[bouncing_ball]

I fell off recently cantering out hacking. Wearing old body protector. Was fine but did make me think.

I’ve invested in-

-jumping saddle with decent knee rolls for faster work
- new MIPS UVEX hat
- safety stirrups
- new (not 15 years old) racesafe provent body protector

I already hack in hunting breastplate (oversized as good grab strap)

And R-stor as longer grab strap.

I hack in busy, open, popular exposed location and it feels wise as I get older to take all sensible precautions.

 

[Arzada]

I hack in busy, open, popular exposed location and it feels wise as I get older to take all sensible precautions.

As bouncing_ball you should be fine

 

[Ratface]

Definitely a good idea to use a monkey strap or something like it. I have a finger under mine at all times.
Good luck.

 

[Carrottom]

OP hoping your return to the saddle went well.

 

[QueenT]

OP hoping your return to the saddle went well.

It went well, and we didn’t actually lunge after all. I did a lot of exercises at walk, shoulder-ins, leg yields etc, then a little rising trot on both reins without disturbing her too much. My friend was there to remind me to relax, sit up straight etc - and let the horse go forward! I was singing to myself in the beginning, which helps a lot … and wearing my komperdell level 3 body protector!