(Classic discussions from JRJ's 1st year. Most of these kids are off to college or in their last yr of high school. Many of them are still around and/or in touch.)

Around March 1996, Kris asked about fears that lead to a discussion about falls.

Are you ever afraid to ride, does your instructor sometimes yell at you; do you parents push you; do you push yourself; have you been hurt and scared to start riding again?

How did you handle your fear? What works to overcome fear of the one thing you love most?

From: MISS RACHEL A MONROE
Subject: Jr Riders: Fear

About fear - I've never had any horrible experiences or anything. I mean, I've had my fair share of bucks, run-aways and falls but nothing horrible. Still, when I first started riding, after about 6 months, I got into this really wierd thing, where I was -scared- of horses :-) I was around 10, and nothing had happened, I just got to the barn and I was -scared-. I never had been before; it was really wierd. We ended up switching barns, and when I got to our current barn, I was fine (except when I first started to canter, I was scared then =) ) On another topic - do you ever feel like you're due for a fall? The other day I was talking to my mom, and I said how I hadn't fallen off for a long time, and I fell off the next day =)

From: Gabby
Subject: Jr Riders:FEAR

In the first week of my owning a horse bliss, Jeff seriously stepped on my toe. My fault of coarse I was too lazy to go get his lead rope and his halter was laying on the fence calling: "come get me you don't need a leadrope" So I did. Jeff had just been brutally stung on his nose by a wasp #*%$!!?! and it was swelling fast. So on the way to the barn-me clutching the halter, Jeff dragging his nose in the grass to make the pane go away. It must have hurt like crazy 'cause he was dragging his nose in LUSH 6 inch grass-not eating it. So, Gabby gets mad-I pulled as hard as I could on his halter, I understood it hurt him but I could put some ice on it and make it better. Well, up came the huge head, and the 1,200 pound horse looses his balance. Out of all the places on the grass he found my good ol' reliable foot (figures). The way he did it was bad, all his wait came down on my big toe at a slant. When I ripped the shoe off there was blood everywhere and my toenail had turned underneath and was cutting into my toe.Someone call 911, my toe was not broken though, but my trust was. Poor Jeff, just one out of 3 who got stung in less then 5 seconds. Lindy (the other border), and Josh the son of the people who owned the barn got stung supper bad too. Jeff was so shocked, I looked up from cradling my foot and there he was-panic stricken. He turned and bolted, not towards the barn but towards the busy highway. It was lucky he didn't get hit. He was so scared that he had hurt me. In fact at a show once he did REALLY bad and I started to cry, and then cam the show jumping and he did sooooooo well, as if he knew how to all along.

You're wondering what this has to do with fear. Well after that I refused to lead Jeff on the correct side and at least a yard away. Jeff was totally supportive, it's amazing 'cause usually he's gotta put a chain over my nose or he'll start rearing. Not really, but you get the picture, now he's like perfect on the lead but anyway... To conquer fear-there's nothing you can do, if you're scared, you're scared. Nothing much to it. You just have to keep at it, don't give up but don't push yourself. After two months passed, my toenail had falling off and my foot could fit into a shoe again I started to become used to leading agin. There was this one time..... but that's another story. See ya!

From: Sarah Kirshin
Subject: Jr Riders Digest - UPDATES & ANSWERES!

Well, fear huh. I know I'll always have it in the back of my mind that I broke my leg riding. But I'll always have it in the back of mind that, Ian Millar, my riding coach Sandy Blackall-Pederson, and Christopher Reeves have had some very severe injuries in the past from horseback riding. My coach broke her neck, twice actually...once on (off) a horse, and once in a car accident, but that doesn't stop her from riding or driving. Christopher Reeves is paralyzed from the neck down from falling off a horse. I know some people who quit riding when they heard that, and I think it's silly. Some people even quit riding when they heard what happened to me. Of course, all of these people had one thing in common; none of them were at all serious about riding, and (in my opinion) if they were smart enough to realize that they had a better chance of having an accident such as this everyday while they were having a shower they would be smart enough to realize that the chances of this happening are very slim. The outcome of a riding injury doesn't depend on the horse, or the rider, but on luck. I know that injuries aren't the only thing that people fear, but it was the first thing that came to my mind!

From: Kristen.J.Anderson, adult visitor
Subject: Re: Fear and jrs

I've been riding for over 40 years now and I can honestly say that I've never gotten through a full year without experiencing some level of fear over *something* that I'm doing with a horse. Usually that "something" involves riding and the fear of falling off, but occasionally it involves the anxiety associated with showing or participating in group activities.

How do I manage fear? The first mental exercise is to try to accurately assess the *actual* risk inherent in the activity which has produced the fear reaction. If I look at a jump course, or start out in a group ride where my horse is acting crazy, or contemplate going out on trail by myself and have a major anxiety attack, I have to say to myself, "How badly do you want to do this and what are the chances you'll actually get hurt?"

If the answer is, "The chances of injury are low, and I don't want to be a wimpy rider who can only go out riding on a babysitter horse--then I just make myself go." (And it usually turns out just fine and I'm glad I did it. :-) )

If the answer to an honest evaluation of the risks is, "I may very well get thrown, and/or this activity at this time puts my horse at a high risk", then I may step back and approach the problem more gradually.

However, at some point I do believe that if one is going to be a rider, one has to just make up one's mind to take some risks. I don't believe that there is any such thing as a safe horse, and part of becoming a good rider is learning to honestly and objectively access and overcome the fears associated with riding.

Kris Anderson

From : Katie Higgins
Subject : Fear

I have one fear. No-stirrup work. I fell off early September and my riding instructor did the worst thing, we moved on right after. Every since then I have been terrified of no-stirrup work. In November we started with a 20 min no-stirrup work session, I explained to my instructor how I felt, but she didn't seem to care. So I went, my legs gripping so tight, and GInger was getting nervous. Well I almost fell of about ten times. My leg muscles were weak, since we hadn't done it for so long. I am not use to being afraid, I have fallen off six times, mostly when the horse spooks, or refuses the jump and does a backwards step. I usually start laughing & do what I was doing again, no feeling a bit afraid. I guess it is because I fell so insecure without stirrups. I do not have my own horse, but I might be part-boarding. Anyway I left Waymark and two lessons ago we did no-stirrup work. My riding instructor understood me completely. I was riding a different horse. She let me hold onto the mane for short periods, and could stop everytime I wanted to recollect. now I am hardly as afraid, and when Loosie, the horse I was riding later on {first time} took off a mad hand gallop, causing me to lose both stirrups. we went over a 1 foot jump

From: Heather
Subject: Jr. Riders: Re FEAR

HI I had a bad scare(sp?) once. My sister was dragged by a wild pony, her foot was caught in the stirrup (sp?) She was only hurt with a mouth full of dirt and a few cuts and black and blue marks. (She got her foot loose by slamming her headin to a wood mounting block!! Thank GOD for hart hats!!) Next week I had to ride that pony! HELP!! I lived. ***Heather Hunt***

From: Margot
Subject: Jr Riders: Fear

Sorry to post -- again! But I *had* to babble a little about being afraid. I do get scared sometimes, mostly when I get really intimidated by a REALLY solid looking fence or a 3 million foot wide oxer. But I just try to think to myself "you have jumped much higher, much scarier stuff, and you KNOW your pony loves showing off so just give him a chance!" This is what I do when there is no possible way for me to jump the fence any lower, like at a show or something. (note the TRY there -- it doesn't always work, my subconscious sometimes takes over and I end up staring at that fence like I don't know what).

Other than that I don't usually get scared, with a runaway horse there is usually that moment or 2 of panic and then I am like, wait a second, I'm still on, and I'm NOT coming off so now I have to stop this horse. On the ground I work really hard on staying calm when horses freak out, so if I get hurt I know it is my fault. The last time I was really scared was when I almost got trampled by Bobo. We were turning all the horses out and he decided to trot down the aisle. We are talking a horse that probably weighs 19x as much as me. Scared the @*&#$ outta me. The next time I helped turn out I got a chain and said, "whoa" every step, and when he started to crowd me I gave him what for! Bobo knows better than THAT!! What I am trying to say is that if I get scared of something I just take a deep breath and say, well, here goes, and try it again. Or if the jump is too high or I don't think I can control Moon without stirrups (i did!!) I just tell my trainer and she lets me work up to it a little more slowly. Thanks for tuning in~
~~Margot and Albert (did someone say whoa?)

From: Anne Howard, adult visitor
Subject: Re: Fear stuff

I'm dealing with some fear issues now for about the first time in my riding career. When I work with students I try to get to what is their worst fear - and is it a realistic one or a remote possibility.

The anxieties I've had in the past were mostly nerves about doing something new, but the issue now is one where there is a chance I could get hurt. Its important to remember that fear is the thing that keeps us out of dangerous situations. If you don't consider why your fear is there - you might be missing a real safety issue.

If your fear is reality-based - reconsider your preparation. If its a unlikely possibility, then some of the sports psychology techniques might help.

My thoughts...
Anne

From: sarah grove
Subject: Re: Fear .....

Hi Guys!!! This isn't exactly along the lines of fear, but oh, well. When I ride, I tend to push myself a lot, and my horse can feel it. I usually don't push myself too far, but once in a while I do, and my trainer can feel it and makes me get off. But anyways, I usually ride western, so when I ride in an english saddle (which I will have to start doing more of, as we start my horse english) I feel off-balance, and I feel like I'm going to slide off of the saddle, because there is nothing there to hold me on. My seat is getting better, but it still isn't the best. Any ideas???

From: Sara Langler
Subject: JrRiders: Fear

Hi Everyone, I'm not sure who said it, but fear is definitely what keeps us from doing stuff that's stupid, and in some ways can help us keep in line. Although I do know, that it's something very hard to overcome. The last time I fell, I broke my tailbone and wasn't allowed to ride for 2 and 1/2 months. Usually when I fall I get right back on, and after a few nervous moments, I'm okay, but the longer you wait, the worse it gets (trust me, I know from experience!). The best thing you can do when you fall (and are frightened) is to tell your coach, best friend (or someone you trust) and if they will help you get through it. I've taken many a bad falls (ask Erin and Sarah!) that have involved about 4-5 hospital trips (in 3 years), and by talking about the fear, and getting right back on, I've always been okay. Don't give up, and remember, "THE ONLY THING WE HAVE TO FEAR, IS FEAR ITSELF!!!"

From: lindsay
Subject: Jr Riders

FEAR: I sort of know how fear feels. I mean I'm deathly afraid of heights. I won't even stand on a desk at school. Last time I rode was two years ago because the only time I get to ride is at my cousins and they live 700km away and we never go see them. And I was so scared of heights that i wouldn't get on the horse because we were riding bareback and I was scared to fall off the other side when boosted up(no joke)! Then at my cousins pony club while watching and during the break they had I actually got on a horse. Scared to death but still. And I think the fact that the day before when my uncle forced my to get up on Jackson(the walking stomach) and then he crowhopped didn't help any. We have to write about quotes in our journal in LA and one of them was ummm what was it.....Oh ya! "Nothing is to be feared;it is only to be understood." by Marie Curie. I agree unless it's something impossible to understand. Heights and falls aren't(someone help! I'm probably way too scared to ride now because I haven't-I'll have to ride my friends horse sometime!):)

From: Steph
Subject: Jr.Riders- A Deeper Seat

Sarah G. wrote
I feel off-balance, and I feel like I'm going to slide off of th because there is nothing there to hold me on. My seat is getting it it still isn't the best. Any ideas???

In the past I've found that if you have your trainer (or another knowledgeable person) lunge you on a safe horse it really helps. To help maintain a deeper seat do excercises on the lunge line. For instance, Tie your reins in a knot, hold the pommel (on your english saddle), and bring your legs up into sort of like a jockey position. This helps to get your seat in proper placement. Once you have done that relax and pick up your stirrups, leaving your seat in the same position. This should help you maintain a deeper seat. you can also do this exercise at a halt before you start riding.

Well, that's just what's helped me (and it's kinda fun!). Good Luck!!!!!!!

Steph and Holly (I've seen you giving those OTHER horses MY carrots- WHY mommie,WHY?????)

From: Karen A Randall, adult visitor
Subject: Re: Jr Riders Digest responses

The best way to learn to keep your balance on a horse is hours and hours either bareback, or on an English saddle without stirrups. If your instructor can give you lunge lessons without stirrups to start with it will help, because then she can control the horse, while you work on your balance and position.

I think 4-5 trips to the hospital in 3 years is something to fear! I think you should consider the situation you're putting yourself in. People fall off all the time, and more often than not, if all they hit is the ground, and they're wearing a helmet, they don't get more than bruised. If I heard that a rider was getting into situations where they were getting badly injured on a regular basis, I would seriously consider whether the instruction and supervision were adequate. Kids should be mounted on trustworthy animals, and should never be overfaced, or put in a situation where it is likely that they will get hurt.

Riding is inherently a dangerous sport, and instructors need to teach young people to handle horses safely and avoid unnecessary danger.

From: Sara Langler
Subject: JrRiders - All My Falls

Okay here is the list of injuries:

Hospital Trip #1 - Broke my wrist (while jumping) Hospital Trip #2 - The nurse didn't put my cast on right, or set my wrist, so we had to go back the next day (after me being up screaming in pain all night) to have a proper cast put on) Hospital Trip #3 - Eishouse (my horse) stumbled while cantering and I went headfirst into the headboards. Bruised and strained my right shoulder quite badly. Hospital Trip #4 - broken tailbone - I let my guard down for 2 seconds too long!

My mistake (not that it makes much difference) all these accidents have been over the course of four years.

I know that it's quite unusual for all this to happen, but I don't fall off often and when I do, I always seem to get hurt. These have all been unexpected accidents, the shoulder one especially. That time Eishouse fell, and I had no where to go but down with her. I understand peoples concern with all these accidents, but I know people who have the same track record as I do. I have been hinted by many people to quit (and learn how to ride properly), but all of these have been accidents, it's not like I do it intentionally, and I don't know how to stop it.

	/\	"Qui me amat, amat at equimum meum"
       ; o\	     (Love me, love my horse)
      ;;   \
     ;;  /\/  Sara & Eishouse  

From: Kelly
Subject: Jr Riders: Fear and play fights

Hey everybody! I just wanted to say a few things. First of all, about fear. Last fall at a show, Count ran out of this fence totally unexpectedly and I came off his side. My foot was still caught in the stirrup and I got drug. It felt like forever, and Count and I were both afraid. About 50 feet later, I finally got un"hung" and I was scared and embarrassed. But after crying a little bit and catching my breath, my instructor asked if I wanted to get back on. I really didn't want to, I was afraid it would happen again. That was the first time I'd ever been afraid of riding. But Jan (my instructor) made me get back on and ride in 6 more classes! So after practically being pushed into the ring, I forgot my fears and just rode.(and we did pretty awesome too!) Anyways, I wasn't afraid after that. (But I did pull a muscle in my leg!)

From: Elizabeth Rodgers
Subject: jr riders falls

Falls??? Gee..I think I have a few to share. I rode for about 4 years before I got my first horse, Prince. Now, In those 4 years I never fell off...I got hit by a large tree branch the first time I rode english but I never fell off. When my mom decided to let me have my way and go to see a horse in hopes of buying him we went to see Prince. This was a Saturday Morning. We went out, I rode him and he was great. Then we decided to come back on Sunday and see if we were really sure this was the horse I wanted. Well..I rode and he ran, and ran into the barn (which was a petting farm so it was filled with turkeys and stuff), on his way to the barn, he turned towards it and I went straight ahead...Into the large pile of manure from the stalls. I got up and my mom said " I guess you don't want him" I said..." you're darn straight I want him."

From: Sara Langler
Subject: JrRiders - Falling Off

I think it was Karen (one of the adults) who posted a note about me falling off all the time. Until now I thought nothing of the accidents, because I know so many people who have done more and worse to themselves. I think it's just a risk that we take with this sport. I know that whenever I've fallen off I've always doubted my ability to get back on and at it, but my coach, friends, fellow riders, and even competitors are always there telling me that it was just an accident, it happens to everyone, and that I have no reason to doubt my abilities as a rider. Not until now has anyone pointed out my number of bad falls, which I always thought wasn't a big deal. I'm just curious to know...what can I do about this? Suggestions from anyone would be appreciated. Sara

From: Karen A Randall, adult visitor
Subject: Re: Jr Riders All (Sara's) Falls

Unless your horse is just too much for you, and it's impossible to tell that over the computer![g] It _does_ sound like most of these are the kinds of falls that can "just happen". (also, I wouldn't count the 2 hospital trips for one fall... that sounds like a nurse problem, not a horse problem. [VBG]

OTOH, it _is_ unusual that you get badly hurt each time you fall. You and your parents might want to consider some form of martial arts training to teach you to relax and use your body properly. Staying relaxed when you fall goes a long way toward lessening the severity of a fall.

Karen Randall

From: Rachael's dad
Subject: Re: Jr Riders All My Falls

For Sara A word on your falls from Rachael's dad. Four trips to the hospital in as many years you have a serious problem. I have a suggestion it's along the lines of the football player tacking ballet. It seems to me you need to learn fall and not get hurt this is something i do quite well. The bast way i know to do this is find an AIKIDO class to join. Don't laugh now in my years of aikido i have worked with bull riders and quite a alot of rodeo people. aikido is were most of the stunt man you see on tv get their start. all my children are in some form of marshal arts It hurts a lot less when you know how to fall

From: Lizzy
Subject: Jr Riders: Riding Accidents

I can quite happily say, that I have only had one serious riding accident. It was at the first barn I rode at. I was riding this QH named Pogo, who was about 14.3, but he could jump 4'6" (yes, he earned his name, both for his jumping and for his gaits. Ouch). In any case, we were cantering a circle (real exciting right), but one of the dumb barn cats came crashing through the trees at the edge of the arena, and Pogo, who is pretty bombproof, spooked, and jumped this big square oxer that was on the diagonal in the middle of the arena. I had not been prepared to jump and I fell off, landing on top of the jump standard, and breaking my humerus (the long bone in your upper arm, almost to the collarbone) at the very top. It had not broken all the way through, which is very lucky, because the doctor said that if it had, they would have been unable to repair it and I would have had chronic arm problems for the rest of my life. It was in the middle of summer, and I didn't start to cry until they told me I couldn't ride for 2 months (you know, horse people can be really dumb at times. Here I go and break my arm falling off, and all I care about is how soon I'll have the opportunity to do it again.) In any case, that's my only serious accident. No, it did not feel good to land on the standard. In any case.

Lizzy, who just spent the last two hours in pain, rowing, and wishing that I'd just stuck to horses and nothing else.

From: Whitney
Subject: Re: Jr Riders: Karen and falls

Karen- I don't think it is ever the riders fault how badly they get hurt, though it may be their fault they fell off. I have broken my collar bone by a simply bucking off, my wrist got broken after I fell on it when I got bucked off and I had to get stitches when I fell of sideways and may leg got caught on the fence. I think some of the things you are saying are correct, but most of the time the injuries just can't be helped, even if you are relaxed bones jam into each other and obstacles get in the way.

Whitney

Kris - An injury is the result of a series of events any one of which can be forstalled by a more suitable or better trained horse, more riding skill, and/or better supervision. In your examples the horse needs time with a more advanced rider and some serious training. Some responsible adult should be taking better care of your training. Your injuries did not "just happen." This is really scary. And you're not the only one who has posted stories saying an accident was just fate instead of dangerous riding practices. My friends and I did a lot of foolish and fun things with horses when I was a kid but none of us ever got broken. And I know full well it was because of the training we had and the hours of serious schooling.

From: Margot
Subject: JrRiders - Falling

I have never been **seriously** hurt around horses. When I fall off I get bruised a little bit but I am used to it by now. I got kicked once (WHILE I was riding if you will believe that) and bruised the bone in my leg, I got kicked in the nose once, too and almost broke that, (I was putting on a horses hind boots and he kicked at a fly and nailed me in the nose) I have strained EVERY SiNGLE tendon, muscle, and even stretched some ligaments in *both* my arms from not letting go of the reins soon enough. What else? I sprained a finger -- got it twisted in the reins while sliding off the side of Spot's neck. If you don't or can't take a marshal arts to learn to fall, then take tumbling or gymnastics -- they are great, too.

~~Margot and Albert (how come you didn't hit that tree the last time you fell off?)

From: Karen A Randall, adult visitor
Subject: Re: Jr Riders Digest Falls

I've got to agree with Kris here. MOST (note I said most, not all) serious accidents happen at least in part because of human error. This can be lack of education of horse or rider, (including learning how to protect yourself during a fall) improper equipment, improper environment or poor judgement.

You definitely can make a fall worse, by stiffening and tensing during a fall. Knowing how to relax, curl up and roll will prevent any number of serious injuries that occur during falls, including most wrist injuries, many collar bone injuries and many head injuries.

From: KATHARINE GRON
Subject: Jr Riders: Falls

I have definitely had my fair share of falls...but I've only been HURT hurt once. I was riding this pony, and I made some mistake coming up to a jump and he ducked out. I wasn't a very tight rider then, so I slid to his side and stayed on by hanging onto the reins. Finally, when I DID fall, I still had the reins and this pony didn't have enough time to avoid stepping on me (he did try, I sorta fell under him) and he went galloping right across the inside of my knee. I totally pulled ALL the ligaments and tendons in my knee and the surrounding area - I had to wear a knee brace for about 2 months. I had an AWESOME bruise in the perfect shape of a horseshoe on my knee, though.

I haven't been hurt the other times I fell - at the most I strain the ligament's and muscles or whatever in my arms and I can't put any pressure on my elbows without them buckling. Lucas tends to pull a lot during my strenuous lessons, usually after a lesson I can't push on anything with my hands or my elbows buckle - my mom says its probably slight muscle pulls - usually better within 2 days. I seem to have a knack for knowing how to fall. Even in the worse places and situations to fall I manage to keep from getting hurt. After that knee incident, I have never hung on the reins when I know I am going to fall off. I would rather have a loose horse than ligament repair surgery (the doctor said if he had stepped on my knee and harder or longer I probably would have TORN them and might've had to have surgery).

That same pony was the one who taught me to sit spins, spooks, bucks, you name it. He wasn't a brat - but he was the type of horse - wrong signal, or unnecessary spurring or yanking - off goes the rider. Nowadays (4 years later) I'd say I am one of the tightest people in my barn and I can almost always sit any buck or spin or spook. However, in relation to the fear thing - if a horse is acting dangerously spooky I DON'T GET ON. A few days ago it was really warm out, so I decided to try to ride Lucas outside. When I put my foot in the stirrup, he would arch his neck, tense up, and get his hind end REALLY far underneath himself. I was scared he would explode when I got on, so I took him inside and rode him (where he was VERY fresh) I'm glad I got scared enough not to get on - sometimes I ignore my common sense. I'm learning not to real fast, though. =)

-Katy & Lucas (Seriously. ma, I'm sure you would've TRIED to sit it!)

From: Sara Langler
Subject: JrRiders - Falling Off

In the last digest Kris made a very good point about falling off. Usually serious and frequent accidents (such as getting bucked or reared off) are the riders fault. I think when I first wrote about my accidents I failed to specify that only one of those accidents could have been prevented. When I broke my wrist, my horse (not Eishouse) stumbled and fell over a jump, so I had no choice but to go down with her. When I hurt my shoulder I fell with Eishouse, and my tailbone was the only accident that I might have avoided. I let my guard down (for one second too long!), Eishouse bolted, stopped, bucked reared, and then stopped. I had lost all confidence after these falls, but my coach said that there aren't many people that have the balance that I do, and not many people could actually stay on my horse (not to brag, just clarifying that I'm not an incompetent rider). I have been told time and time again that Eishouse and I are well suited, and that she is NOT to much horse for me.

        /\	"Qui me amat, amat at equimum meum"
       ; o\	     (Love me, love my horse)
      ;;   \
     ;;  /\/  Sara & Eishouse 

From: Whitney
Subject: Re: Jr Riders: Falling

All of my riding takes places in an enclosed arena where my trainer Larry works with me (he doesn't leave the ring while I am doing anything faster than a walk) The first time I broke my collarbone, I was doing a jumping position canter and the pony I was riding bucked, my chest was kinda down so I flew off and ended up on my arms. The 2nd time I was riding Tango last year, just waiting in line. He got spooked by a bird and he went galloping off, needless to say I didn't and fell right on my butt and right wrist. The third time I fell off, I was going over a triple combo and Tango bumped the second one. He didn't want to go for the next and I tried to keep driving, but he swerved really fast and I fell on the fence. Things happen, if the fence wasn't there I would've just fallen in the sand. I don't consider my accidents very serious, after all, I broke my wrist 3 years ago by tripping over my backpack.

Whitney

From: sarah grove
Subject: Re: gymnastics

One other thing....is anyone here in gymnastics as well as in riding?? I am in a gymnastics club at school, and I really like it. I know it strengthens your muscles, and everything, but before I decide if I want to get in to it any deeper, does anyone know if it has any ill effects on riding??? I don't want it to interfere with the way I ride, because I own a 3 yr old, and that could mess him up, if I start riding differently. Any ideas, or comments???

Sarah and Different

From: Margot
Subject: Jr Riders: Falling

I think that not every fall is the rider's fault. Sometimes you just can't stay on any longer. I was showing this pony, Frosty, (yes Sarah Bryen, the same frosty that is still at Meadowbrook) about 5 years ago in a walk-trot-canter class. Well. He was soooo hyper and we got through the trotting okay, but when the called for the canter he TOOK OFF bucking and galloping. This was out in Cinder Track, which is this tiny ring sort of in the woods. I was, uh, 10 years old maybe and stayed on for 4 of his 5 bucks. He got rid of me on the 5th one and I hit my head on the fence coming down. Not hard at all but it scared the*(&#$ outta me. I mean -- in that case what could **anyone** have done? Frosty is ANCIENT, never acted like that when I rode him in lessons. Also he hadn't been at the barn too long and no one had ever showed him so no one knew that he acted up sometimes at shows. Well, we all know that now!

I too am proud to say that I can sit just about anything after riding Spot & Calais for 1 year and Albert for 2. Spot was this little POA who was soooo cool but he jumped HUGE -- used to pop me right up on his neck but after a whil I learned to use that leg and quiet his jump down. Me and Cherie used to ride no-hands during our lessons and we had quite a few swerves and sudden starts and stops [g] Calais was this gorgeous fancy grey medium that my instructor owned. I fell off her 3 times in one day before I figured out how to sit bucks and spins. She taught me how to control a green pony on a trail ride, too! And I think we *all* know what Alberto has taught me... you name it he's tried it.[g]

~~Margot and Albert (I got new shoes today. I was a [pretty] good boy. I didn't break any crossties, I stood **quietly**, and acted like a gentleman. Now aren't you proud of me?!) Me: well maybe yelling STAND at you for the last week DID do some good! [g]

From: Whitney
Subject: falling

I certainly hope you mean to walk on my own two feet, because they aren't so steady-tis true I am a true and TOTAL klutz off horseback-I always run into things and trip-if I was a horse NO ONE would want to ride me. I can walk on horseback certainly, the only time I fell of doing that is when I was riding an OLD OLD morgan gelding bareback, and when I tried to mount he started walking (I was six and wasn't holding onto the reins), i hung on sideways for about ten steps while all my family stood there laughing at me until I plopped into the mud. That horse died and my grandparents know have Belle Star, a QH.TB cross-she is 8 and I can't wait to work with her over spring break!

Whitney

From: Nancy, adult visitor
Subject: Re: Jr Riders falls and dangerous riding

To everyone out there on falls and dangerous riding:

Just a couple thoughts from another adult:

1. Its spring and everyone is itching to get out and ride more now that the weather is improving, BUT most of us haven't been riding much during the winter so we're out of shape, the horses are out of shape, and the horses probably have some extra energy (ie. bucks) to get out after having been confined for so long. So BE CAREFUL and take the time to get both of you in shape - if you're both in shape, injuries from normal activity or falls are less likely. A horse that is not in shape can hurt tendons, etc. on slippery ground, or fall where he normally might have the strength to recover from being unbalanced. If its slippery (mud, damp grass, etc.) make sure that any riding you do is very controlled (don't gallop, dummies). Remember, if you are badly hurt, they will fix you, but if you hurt your horse, they will put him down - YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS WELL-BEING - TAKE CARE OF HIM.

2. If you have time, turn your horse out for a couple minutes before riding - let him get his bucks out before you get on him! Lunge him if necessary.

3. In most cases, if you always have to lunge a horse before he is safe to ride, you are overmounted - flame on this if you want. I know, because I bought my daughter a horse that's a little too much for her, and I have to ride him first to mellow him out some (MISTAKE!), and she only rides him under strict supervision. But I don't have to lunge him before I get on him, because he's not bad, just very strong, energetic and forward - you need to know your limits - if you have a horse that's that wild, get him some training!

nancyf

From: Julie Goodnight, another adult visitor
Subject: Jr. Riders: falling

I have to agree with Kris. If any of you are suffering multiple injuries at this young an age, you must at least consider that there is something wrong with this picture. Balance is one of the most important aspects of good equitation. A deep, secure seat is what keeps you secure on a squirely horse.

Balance can be enhanced with a variety of excercises done while riding (get a good instructor). I highly recommend ballet dancing classes to my students as a way to develop their balance, coordination and strength (many martial arts classes will have the same benefits). Ballet helps you isolate different parts of your body, an essential ingredient to excellent riding (i.e., keeping your hands still while the rest of your body is moving, allowing your pelvis to open and move freely while you legs and upper body are still). Also, ballet lessons will teach you to "center" yourself, and a good seat is dependent on your center (another key ingredient in martial arts). I started ballet at 6, and still take lessons; I have been a full time professional rider/trainer for 20 years.

Like Kris said, a deep, secure seat comes from hours and hours spent in schooling sessions with a good instructor and LOTS of riding without stirrups. My students start each and every lesson standing in their stirrups with their hands behind their backs (in an arena on reliable mounts). They do this at walk, trot and canter (as their skill level dictates). This exercise develops balance and secures and strengthens the leg, in the correct position (you can't do it unless your leg is in the correct position). Good luck.

To Sarah, re: gymnastics I think gymnastics could be helpful for all the reasons stated above. BUT: beware, many gymnast develop an arched back (picture the finishing move at the end of the performance where the athlete raises her arms over her head in a victory sign- note how arched the back is). An arched back is a closed pelvis-this is HIGHLY incorrect for riding. However, I have seen some gymnasts who do not develop an arched back, just be aware of your body and the alignment of your spine.

Sorry to go on, especially since I'm a lurking adult.

From: Anne-Marie Burrell
Subject: JrRiders-falls

Hey Horsey-People, How many people are in Jr Riders anyway? People keep on popping up! I've fallen only three times. I can't remember the second one but the first time I was riding a lesson-horse called Chi-Chi. I was cantering and she spooked, did an about turn and I fell off. In my mind a thought flashed "You're ahead of your sister, you've had your first fall." This was out of a horsey book I had read a while ago. I was 8 and I could of probably stayed on now. The third time is when Patches tripped over his own 4 hooves (they needed trimming and the farrier was coming the next day). Well, when he tripped and fell I went with him. I bashed my arm and had to wear it in a sling for 3 days. Well, Sunrise taught me how to sit kicks (when riding), bucks, shies (I haven't mastered those) and bolts. Mom says I have a good seat but I'm not so sure. Once in a while I'm upside-down hanging on Sunrise' neck after he shies the second after a jump. It *has* happened, for real!

From: Rachel Pergunas
Subject: Fears of falling

Hi there! I haven't many fears of falling, as in my past 3 years of riding I've only broken 1 bone (my wrist, in 2 places!) But I've fallen many times! Everyone says "relax and you absorb the impact better!" I think they're crazy! Seriously, you aren't going to be relaxed as you fly headlong over your horses head onto the hard ground of the arena! But I do agree that "If you think your going to fall, you probably will!" When I start to fall, I usually grab the mane or something and think of how awful it would be landing in the mud with your new breeches on! Believe it or not, this method usually works!

And I also think that if you learn to fall, You'll know how to take it!

First, NEVER learn to fall by getting on your horse, scaring the heck out of him, have him tear down the arena as you *casually* fall of as instructed! You should get some matts and learn to roll on your shoulder! I advise taking lessons in something called Akido. It teaches you to relax and it teaches you some rolls that are helpful while falling! Thanks for listening!

Rachel

From: Kirsten Campbell
Subject: jr. riders (fear and falling)

Usually, when I get scared, it is in a lesson (not schooling by myself on my own horse) especially when riding a new horse. I have to say to myself... if my coach didn't think I was able to ride this horse or jump this combination.... she wouldn't ask me! I have to just go in there and ride it to the best of my ability! That's always enough.
Kirsten Campbell and Rascal