Runaway Horse

Here Comes the Fall...

Most falls from a horse happen quickly and unexpectedly when the horse spooks, bolts, or jumps on the trail. The right gear, tack and insurance can be a lifesaver.

Most horses, when spooked, or startled will do a quick jump, or whirl around away from the object, or noise that frightened them, causing the rider to become off balance. This is where the laws of motion and gravity come into play and your ability to regain balance. If the saddle has a horn or grab strap, it is okay to take a hold of it to help getting back into the saddle; however, often, no matter how hard the rider tries, if the horse keeps bolting, and moving a fall is inevitable. Everything happens in a split second. Sometimes the cause for a fall can also be from faulty horse tack, or a buckle that was missed when tacking up because of rushing, or being distracted. So keep that in mind when you tack up for a trail ride. Always double check your gear.

The Right Gear

No matter how hard a rider tries, the most vulnerable area is the head and somehow the head will almost always wind up making contact with the ground. Here is where wearing the proper gear becomes a lifesaver: riding helmet, leather boots, leather gloves, shatter proof eye glasses and perhaps a padded riding vest (body protector) will dampen the impact and lessen the chance of injury. The riding helmet will protect the head from the impact, the leather gloves and boots will protect from cuts and punctures from rocks, gravel, jagged sticks, or glass... whatever might be on the ground. The body protector will dampen the blow to the back and side of the torso. A cell phone can become an invaluable tool to communicate with others and call for help if needed.

Runaway Horse

Many aspects of dealing with horses are completely unpredictable and uncontrollable. Just like people, horses are different; some horses will stay with their fallen rider, others will be spooked even more and take off running unless you are able to hold on to the reins during the fall. The latter, however, is very tricky. While holding on to the reins when falling will possibly help you to flip around and land on your bottom instead of your head it can also cause injury to you, or the horse's mouth from the strong, sudden tug on the bit. The outcome is unpredictable, but chances are you still have your horse with you. If he runs and drags you, let go.

Many horses will take off running if their rider falls off; not only because of the object or noise that triggered the unexpected situation in the first place, but also, because the effect of the rider falling on the horse, which panics it even more. Its instincts tell him to flee, which is the typical reaction and nature of a horse. Some horses stop after a few lopes away when you call its name, others just keep running, likely headed back to the safety of the barn since their fight or flight instinct has now taken over.

The Right Tack

In this instance, a martingale can be a lifesaver for your horse, as the rigging and rings will keep the reins from slipping over your horse's head and dragging on the ground as it gallops away. Dragging reins create a "foot trap" for your horse, which can cause injury to the horse's mouth and jaw because of the strong tug it creates on the bit when they step onto the reins. Often, this may also be the end to your reins, as (ideally!) they will tear. Therefore, when going on trail rides it is best to use soft leather reins, or web reins made of cotton webbing with leather ends that can tear in such an event; never use neoprene, or nylon reins, since these will very likely not give in such an event and worsen possible mouth, jaw and leg injuries when stepped into during the run. There are many different kinds of special trail riding safety tack, safety bridles and halter bridle combinations for the outdoor trail rider and your horse.