I have to admit, I also HATE
falling off. And as I get older I like it less. I won't keep a horse
that makes a habit of spooking and dumping me. They all have moments,
that's a given. "stuff" happens. I've had my QH mare for 16 years and
have only come off her twice and thousands of miles of riding her. And
both times it's because she fell in bad conditions. The mule I am now
riding is young but very steady and sensible.
I had a Standardbred mare for 4 years that was "excitible" and unsafe
in traffic. I could not cure her of this problem. I never got dumped
but after having her bolt off or jump into ditches enough times that It
was starting to take the fun out of riding, I knew I had to part with
her even though I really liked her a lot. I will never waste 4 years on
a horse like that again.
So, as someone else said, how much is riding THAT horse really worth to
you?