Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

I don’t like falling off, it happens about once every couple or few years. What I do to prevent it, is to ride with more weight in the stirrups than in the seat, relaxed, but ready for a surprise. Then when the horse spooks or spins, my legs (and hopefully the whole body)moves with the horse. If I have more weight in my rear end, then when the horse spooks I’m more likely to get dumped. Even on a nice casual walking ride I’m ready for a spin, jump or bolt.

Kathy

Here are my questions: 

1., how long before I can ride again (my other, non-spooky horse)? Do I just 

wait til it stops hurting too much? 

2., anyone have any suggestions other than a velcro-butt graft? 

3., how many times have you ridecampers fallen off a horse before you started 

questioning your sanity regarding that particular horse? 

4., on average, how many times do you fall off per year? 

I probably fall off 2-3 times per year. I've probably ridden 2000 miles for my 

AERC 450 ;-) I had open abdominal surgery 3 months ago. I am built like a 

weeble (but I do fall down) (for people under 40, that means I'm short, fat, 

and have teeny-tiny legs and arms - ooooooh, pretty!). (I am trying to lose 

weight, and I exercise both on the horse and off). I think Splendor is a 

wonderful horse. I still take riding lessons, from an excellent rider and 

teacher. Any problems I have are my fault, not hers. Trust me, she's INCREDIBLY 

patient with me. I have had some fear issues, but those may be behind me. I 

ride in a Big Horn Endurance saddle, and a Specialized Trailmaster saddle. 

Thanks in advance for your suggestions. 

Elysa