ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: Falling off, tuck and roll and other survival methods

Re: Falling off, tuck and roll and other survival methods

Becky Hackworth (bechack@flash.net)
Sun, 21 Sep 1997 09:11:34 -0700

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>>The reason for "practicing falling off" is not just because you might
>>"come off" but also because "coming off" might just be the right thing to
>>do. I tell my students that what we are practicing is called the
>>"emergency dismount" (aka, bailing off). Somtimes the best thing is for
>>you and your horse to part company, according to your plan, rather than
>>just by accident.
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>Ok, but what is meant by an emergency? A friend brought out her Neice to
ride with us. She borrowed my 17 year old mare that my 6 year old sometimes
rides without difficulty. Now as we were getting going, the kids rode up
ahead, the neice with them. As they rounded a corner, the next thing I know
is the neice is on the ground crying, and Gina is off down our regular
trail...no rider. Thank goodness Heather was able to catch Gina without
Gina doing the whole loop by herself!
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>As it turns out, the neice had bailed just because Gina had gotten wide and
stumbled on a rut. Not gone down, or close, no cliffs near! And she made
no effort to hold on to the reins.
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>I'm sorry, I do not consider this an emergency. She was TAUGHT to do this.
I agree that being able to do an emergency exit can be helpful, WHEN TO AND
NOT TO should be stressed.
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>IMHO this is "runaway" horse headed for traffic. Headed for cliff!
Rider losing control and headed for heavily rocky/cactus/etc and you pick a
good spot. And you hang on to the horse!
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>I know hang on was discussed at length, but if you are INTENTIONALLY
bailing, hang on !
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>Bottom line in my upbringing is that you are safer ON the horse than off,
and if not then better the horse than you.
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>Becky H
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