After a Fall – How to Prevent Repeat Performances

When accidents occur, honest reflection on the events leading up to the incident can provide valuable insights and help prevent future mishaps. Make a list of the moments prior to the accident, focusing on the sequence of events rather than placing blame on the horse.

Blaming the horse only obscures the role the rider might have played in preventing the fall and prevents learning from the experience. Instead, use “I” statements such as, “I was working on the…,” “I… my rein,” or “I was… when I felt…” Then list all the actions you could have taken to prevent or lessen the severity of the accident.

Sara’s story is a typical example of the snowball effect that occurs when the causes of a fall are not thoroughly examined soon after the incident. Sara and her gelding, Quincy, rode the trails several times a week. However, Quincy developed a habit of spooking at a particular spot on the trail, leading to Sara falling off three times there. The first fall happened as she was pulling her water bottle from a holder against Quincy’s right shoulder. Quincy startled and jumped sideways to the left, causing Sara to fall to the right.

The next time they rode that stretch of trail, Sara was nervous. She remembers hugging Quincy with her legs and tightly gripping the reins, just in case something happened. Quincy began pulling on the reins, leading to a tug-of-war at the site of the original accident. When some riders rounded the corner ahead, Quincy jumped straight up in the air, causing Sara to pop out of the saddle and land on her shoulder. Fortunately, no bones were broken.

Sara decided to switch Quincy’s mouthpiece to a more severe bit. Still feeling uneasy, she held on tight and asked him to walk slowly and carefully past that spot. Everything seemed fine for a few weeks, but Sara ended up flying off again. Reflecting on the third accident, she noted feeling more courageous and decided to trot Quincy through the danger zone. A swift “bump” in the sides caused Quincy to buck, and Sara fell off. Now, she has lost confidence in Quincy and plans to sell him.

Their relationship deteriorated in just three months. Sara’s initial fall resulted from a loss of focus and an out-of-balance riding position. This led to squeezing legs, tight reins, kicking aids, a severe bit, and a loss of confidence. Sara and Quincy were no longer partners. If she doesn’t sell him first, it may take months for Sara to rebuild her confidence and dismantle the wall she has erected between herself and Quincy. Unfortunately, the emotional impact of the falls may affect every horse Sara rides.

Preventive strategies Sara could implement to avoid further mishaps include:

• Stay focused on the horse and the surrounding environment at all times.
• Vary movements and gaits to keep your horse attentive to you.
• Always maintain balance and stillness in the saddle while gently moving with the horse. Remember, like people, horses can startle. Expect it.
• Strengthen core muscles and practice exercises that develop balance.
• Keep your legs loose. Tight legs can make horses uncomfortable and cause riders to pop out of the saddle.
• Avoid using severe artificial aids; they often do more harm than good.
• Keep your upper arms relaxed at your sides and your hands a few inches in front of your waist, with fingers that slightly open and close with your horse’s movements, allowing the horse to move its head, neck, and shoulders.
• Teach your horse half-halts so they are not surprised by requests for transitions.
• Use verbal commands, your seat, and your energy to control your horse, rather than relying on pulling and kicking.
• If possible, do groundwork in the “danger zone” until both horse and rider can relax there.
• Engage in groundwork, arena riding, lunging, and riding with calm horses until confidence is restored.

Horses, like us, can inadvertently stumble and fall. However, most accidents involving horses or riders are preventable if we look to ourselves for solutions rather than blaming the horse. Blaming the horse only guarantees that another fall is more likely to occur.