ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Riding Safely

[endurance] Riding Safely

Wendy Milner (wendy@nsmdserv.cnd.hp.com)
Wed, 17 Jan 96 17:50:19 MST

I am a very strong believer in knowing how to protect yourself.
First - be aware of your surroundings.
Second - be able to defend yourself in most situations
Third - know what to do when you figure no way can you defend yourself.

I hold a black belt in TaeKwon Do, I hunt and shoot, I've practiced
self defense situations. And I know there will be situations that
will be way out of my control.

A couple of self defense techniques that are easy to learn.
- Don't look like a victim. Look like you know exactly
what is going on, and that you have a plan.
- Pick a point between you and the possible opponent. Do not
let the opponent go further than that point.
- If your opponent does come closer, decide if you are going to
run or fight. And then don't hesitate to do so.

On horse back, do not get off your horse. You have a good advantage
up there. Most attackers don't really know what to do with a horse.
They may try to grab a rein, but you shouldn't let them get that
close. You can also kick the horse into an instant canter and run
right over them.

If you are in your car, stay there. Drive with your doors locked.
(This is the opposite of what safety people tell you, cause in
an accident they can't open doors.) Don't turn off the engine.
Drive in the center of the road, or as close as you can get, not
in the lane nearest the side of the road. You can always run over a
guy with a gun. A car or truck is a very deadly weapon.
Don't stop for an accident - call it in from a safe distance.
(That's an accident on the side of a road, not one you are involved
in.)

The only defense against a gun is a brick wall! Unless you are
real close and know what to do. But, running on horse back, if
you have some trees is a good alternative.

If your attacker has a knife, get something, anything between
you and the knife.

For the long term - get some good self defense instruction.
The Model Mugging classes are good (females only). Or chose
a martial arts class (any style that you are comfortable with)
and attend for the next four years. You learn things the first
night that could save your life, but it takes years of training
to be good.

Learn about guns. If you are not comfortable carrying one, that's
alright. Just learn what they can and cannot do. And learn not
to be frightened of them.

You can carry mace or something that make a screaming noise.
Always carry a whistle and know that 3 of anything indicates
an SOS.

Do not initiate a confrontation. Don't go up to the guys that
are scaring your horse and get them mad. You won't change their
minds and you will be putting yourself in a difficult to dangerous
situation.

I could go on - about a weeks worth of time.

--
Wendy

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Wendy Milner HPDesk: wendy_milner@hp4000 Training Development Engineer HP-UX: wendy@fc.hp.com Mail Stop 46 Telnet: 229-2182 3404 E. Harmony Rd. AT&T: (970) 229-2182 Fort Collins, CO, 80525 FAX: (970) 229-4292