How Do You Avoid Injury When Falling Off A Horse?
• Wear a helmet when you ride. A helmet can at least help prevent catastrophic head injuries. • Ride with a friend, so that he or she can get help if you fall. • Choose safe riding clothes such as boots with flat soles and a heel, an approved helmet, long pants such as jeans or jodphurs, and a sleeved shirt (the longer the sleeves, the better to help prevent gravel rash). Consider a padded safety vest if riding cross-country and/or jumping. • Wear fluorescent or brightly coloured clothing. Not only will drivers be able to see you, but it will be easier to see where you have fallen, even if your friend is some distance away. Your horse should wear something fluorescent independently, in case he gets loose. • Use correctly fitted safety stirrups. These come in a range of designs, but are all meant to prevent your foot becoming trapped in case of a fall. If the stirrup bar (the part of the saddle that the stirrup leather attaches to) is the old hinged type, keep it in the open position. E
