This happens to every rider. The horse rears up, throws you to the ground. It hurts. It's embarrassing. Sometimes it's scary. Why do horses throw off riders? It's not anger. It's communication, fear, or pain. We tell you about the reasons and how to avoid them.

Physical Pain

Improperly fitted saddle presses on the withers, rubs the back. The horse tries to get rid of the source of pain. A sharp bit can hurt the corners of the mouth. A sudden movement with the rein — the horse tosses its head, rears up. Unclean hooves: a stone causes pain when walking, the horse limps, may fall. Illness (colic, arthritis). The horse panics.

What to do: check the equipment before each ride, clean the hooves regularly, take the horse to the vet.

Fear and Instincts

Horses are prey animals. Their instinct: see danger — run. If a horse is scared (noise, sudden movement, a bag, a fleeting shadow), it may bolt, rear up, throw off the rider. A rider who also panics and pulls on the rein only strengthens the fear. The horse thinks: 'There's something scary, and I'm being held — I need to get free.'

What to do: teach the horse to cope with fear (gradual acclimatization). Don't panic yourself.

Improper Handling

The rider beats the horse with spurs (harder than necessary). The horse tries to get rid of the pain. Pulls on the rein — the horse raises its head, may rear up. Pulls on one rein — the horse tosses its head. Does not feel the rhythm (jumps out of sync) — the horse stumbles. Sits down too sharply — it hurts the back.

What to do: learn from a trainer how to work softly. Don't use spurs until you master the basics.

Unsuitable Horse

A green, unbroken horse (young, untrained) may not understand commands. An experienced horse, but mean (spoiled by previous riders). A horse-machine that has been pushed (tired, hurt, wants a rest). A dominant horse (tests who is the leader). If the rider is unsure, it starts to dominate.

What to do: choose a horse that suits your level. Don't buy a 'cool stallion' for a beginner.

External Factors

Noisy sound (salute, gunshot, dog barking). Insect (a fly bit — the horse flinched). Sudden appearance of another animal (a dog under the feet). Bad weather (thunderstorm, hail). Rough road (a root, a hole).

What to do: avoid potentially dangerous places. Inspect the arena before sitting down.

How to Reduce Risk

Learn from a good trainer. Don't overestimate your abilities. Regularly check the horse's health. Use quality equipment. Don't take someone else's horse without supervision. Learn to fall (grouping, rolling). And remember: a horse does not seek revenge. It is just scared or in pain.

Permanent link to this publication: