adapted from an article by Leslie Ward

First, if you think you are going to fall or are loosing your balance, try to grab 

onto the saddle or lean down close to your horse and wrap both arms around 

your horses neck and HANG ON!  This isn't a time to worry about your riding 

position.  Looking awkward in the saddle is still better than hitting 

the ground and risking injury.  

1. Let go of the reins!  If you hang on to the reins you could be dragged 

behind your horse and be stepped on or kicked.  Normally, the horse will 

not run far with the loose reins.

2. Curl up while falling.  Bring your arms in close to your body and curl 

up into a ball.  Don't hold your arms out to break your fall (you will 

instinctively do this, so you will have to tell your body to do something 

it doesn't want to do!).  If you do hold your arms out, it is much more 

likely you will break your arm !

If you cannot do what is suggested in Nos. 1. and 2., try to do this:

1a. Take your feet out of the stirrups so that you won't get entangled in them when you slide off the side of

the horse. If falling off this way, do not let go of the reins until your body has reached the ground.

This will help you to break the fall and keep you from holding out your arms. When on the ground, let go

of the reins so as not to be dragged along.

3. Lie still.  Once you hit the ground, lie still for a moment.  You may 

feel dizzy, especially if you have hit your head.   

Your instructor will assist you to slowly sit or stand up.

If you are not hurt, it is important you get back on the horse.

Try not to think too much about it.  All riders occasionally

 "hit the dirt".  Sometimes you just slip off and land on your feet.

Most falls are about like tipping  over on a bicylce - no fun,  but not serious !