Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Val,

 

If you can, I'd recommend finding a reputable martial arts school and learn falling from them.  I know you're in your mid fifties, but a good instructor should be able to start you on your way.  I have always been pretty rough & tumble and was a gymnast for a while, but when I began taking martial arts classes it really improved my falling.  As with anything, an instructor should start you SLOW.  They will probably teach you to roll over your shoulders without putting your hands out to stop/slow you.  As with anything else, you gotta practice, practice, practice so that it becomes second nature to you rather than what you've done before.........putting those hands out to stop you and snapping your wrists.   Ouch!!

 

Good luck,

 

abigail

Chico, CA

Val Nicoson <vnicoson@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Got a question for all of you who are getting dumped by your horses....how in the world do you land without breaking anything?  I've been dumped by two red horses which resulted in first my left and recently my right wrist being shattered...ouch!  
>
> Both are healed and I am riding again.  We've decided no more red horses for me though...the first was a gelding getting my left wrist...the last one was a mare getting my right wrist...hey, at least I'm balanced out now, right? <g>
>
> SO any advice on how to land better might be helpful...I did say "might"...only because most times I am pretty stiff and attempt to reach out and wham...broken wrist.  I am naturally a pretty stiff person when it comes to falling.  I am also in my mid-50s so there's a definite loss of flexibility to go along with it all.  
>
> I've found when I come
>  off sideways that at least I haven't broken anything...yet.  But going over those left shoulders head first gets me every time.
>
> Thanks,
> Val