Horses can break your foot, but it is dependent on your ability to use the horse and escape getting trampled if you fall while riding. So, in this post, I’ll show you what to do if you fall from your horse to avoid being stepped on.
Contents
What to do After Falling Off a Horse?
Whether they are new to horseback riding or have ridden a million times before, everyone falls at some point. And, while the first time is always frightening, if you plan for what to do in the case of an accident, you’ll feel more secure in managing the situation appropriately when the time comes.
When you saddle up, you’re probably not thinking about the dangers of riding. You’re getting to know your horse and concentrating on commands. That is why, in the case of an accident, it is critical to have safety steps memorized. This will help you to avoid additional damage, avoid stress, and simply enjoy the sensation of being on your horse.
The three most crucial things to do after falling from a horse are listed below.
Examine Yourself
Evaluate yourself for any indications of injuries without leaving the spot where you landed. You might easily aggravate an injury by attempting to move too soon, so try to stay where you are. Examine for any signs of blood, fractured bones, or a head/neck injury.
Most essential, look for indications of shock in yourself. If you feel shaking, sweating, confusion, shallow breathing, weakness, or clammy skin, your body may be in shock. If this occurs, keep your helmet on and stay still.
If you see any indications of shock or injury during your evaluation, contact 911 or a local emergency number for assistance.
Slow down
If you evaluate and conclude that you are not in any significant discomfort and have not sustained a significant injury, you should gradually resume your normal activities. The trick is to go slowly and deliberately. Examine your limbs for indications of a sprain or break. Take note of any scratches, bruises, or bleeding. If you are in good health, you may go and get your horse.
Get Back in Tune With Your Horse
After you’ve retrieved your horse, lead it to the ground. Pay attention to your horse’s respiration and try your best to be relaxed and in sync with it. Do a few laps and interact with your horse before getting back in the saddle. Attempt to finish your bike on a good note. While riding, try to think about what went wrong or what caused the fall so you can avoid it in the future.
How to Safely Fall Off Your Horse
There is no way to ensure that you will not be injured if you fall while horseback riding, but the following recommendations may help you reduce the impact of a fall.
Avoiding from Falling
- Ride a horse that is appropriate for your ability level.
- Ride in a safe setting according to your ability level.
- Ride with caution. Try to anticipate what could frighten your horse so you can redirect its attention.
- Ride in command.
- Maintain appropriate saddle posture.
- Check that the saddle fits you correctly and that the stirrups are the correct length.
- Check that your girth or cinch is tight enough to prevent the saddle from turning.
Prepare for a Fall
If you do fall, protective equipment may help you prevent significant damage.
- Wear an ASTM-certified helmet.
- Wear boots with a 1″ heel, safety stirrups, or stirrup cages.
- A crash vest offers additional torso protection.
- Gloves improve your grip on the reins and protect your hands.
- Learn how to dismount in an emergency.
- Learn how to do an emergency stop.
What to Do with the Reins
If you find yourself in a scenario where a fall is unavoidable, you’ll only have a split second to determine whether or not to grab the reins. It should be safe to let go of them if you’re in a confined space. You could attempt to hang on to the reins if you’re out on the path.
If your horse escapes, you will not only have a long walk home, but you may also harm your horse, anybody else on the trail, or even vehicles if you have crossed roads en route. There will be times when you won’t be able to make a decision. If your horse is bolting or bucking, it is best to let go of the reins to avoid getting pulled or entangled.
How to Fall
If you’re about to tumble, attempt to kick your feet out of the stirrups. Ideally, you’ll have one of those long, leisurely descents that leave you lying on your rear, your horse staring down at you, surprised. If it doesn’t work, try rolling out of the way of your horse’s legs. Sticking your arms out to prevent your fall may raise your risks of fracturing a bone or having portions protrude that the horse may stomp on. Instead, imagine yourself curling like a hedgehog.
After the Fall
Make a rapid assessment.
- Allow yourself a second to catch your breath and look for injuries.
- Climb back into the saddle if everything appears to be in order. This will reassure both you and your riding partners, as well as your horse.
- If something seems to be incorrect, get assistance right away.
- Being stoic in the face of pain may appear brave, but if you’ve fractured a bone, you may aggravate the injury.
Conclusion
Finally, horses cannot see where your feet are. Therefore if you are irresponsible enough to ignore where their feet are, you will be trodden on.