Trail Safety from "man"

["guest@endurance.net" <guest@endurance.net>]

Jonni jonnij@earthlink.net

>>Having had a stranger try to grab my bridle while I was riding last year, I
know exactly what you mean. It's scary as hell.<<

During our mounted patrol training, we are taught how to DEFEND ourselves from someone trying to remove our bridle, or worst yet, trying to pull us off the horse. While yes, getting the heck out of there is the best thing you can do, here are a couple other suggestions, heaven forbid you face this situation. As mentioned, be aware of peoples intentions, do not let yourseldf get into a bad situation in the first place. if you do have some one grab your horse, one of the best things you can do is ride INTO the person. If you try to pull the horse away, they will have a firm grip, and may pull the bridle off. Turn your horse INTO the person. Make some noise. If you are excited, and mad, your very gentle, calm, never would step on a person horse will most likely get excited too, and go where you are asking him to. Turn into the person, spinning in circles. Most people will let go very quickly. Especailly those not around horses much. Same with someone who has grabbed you. Turn into the person, and kick and "spur" asking your horse to go over the top of them.(don't forget to yell and shout!) Trying to pull away, usually ends up with the rider being pulled off. Let anger, not fear take over. As you are turning into the person, used what ever you have to try to knock them on their butt. If you have this situation happen, you need to be tough and try to "get them" before they "get you". Thank goodness I have never had to use these skills, but I know I would be able to if needed. And heck , if you knock them over, I think a couple well placed foot prints on the way by would be fitting!<G>

Jonni and Drut who may be an 850 lb. Arab, but he could knock a 250 lb. man over if I asked him to.


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