Falling off a horse is an experience that many riders, no matter their level of expertise, are likely to face at some point. It’s simply a part of horse riding; if you’re going to be a horse rider, you have to understand that there is always a risk that you might fall off your horse! Falls and accidents can happen to anyone, even the most seasoned professionals. However, there are all kinds of sayings and ‘rules’ about falling off, so let’s debunk some of the most commonly held myths and misconceptions about falling off a horse.

We’ll dispel the most common myths about falling off, which often underpin all kinds of limiting beliefs and loss of confidence around riding. Whether you’re a happy hacker who enjoys exploring with your horse, or you’re a competitive rider out and about, changing your perception of falling off, can have a huge impact on how you feel and how much you enjoy riding your horse. Let’s dive in!

“You’re not a real rider until you’ve fallen off 7 times”

The saying “You’re not a real rider until you’ve fallen off 7 times” attempts to normalise falling as part of learning to ride. However, the truth is, being a great rider isn’t about how many times you’ve fallen; it’s about what you learn from each experience and how you apply that knowledge.

Falling off a horse can happen to anyone, regardless of their skill level, but it’s not a requirement or a milestone you need to achieve to prove yourself. Instead, focus on continuously developing your riding skills, balance, security, application of the aids and your level of understanding of correct and ethical horse training and development. 

Every time you ride, you have an opportunity for learn and improve. Riding is about building a partnership with your horse, developing resilience when things don’t go as planned, and gaining confidence through every experience, not just the good times.

So, don’t worry about keeping a tally of your falls. Concentrate on enjoying your rides, learning from each experience, and becoming a knowledgeable and compassionate rider. This positive approach will make your riding journey more rewarding and enjoyable.

“You’re not a good rider if you fall off”

The myth that “you’re not a good rider if you fall off” is not only misleading but also unhelpful. Falling off a horse can happen to riders of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. It’s a normal part of the learning process and not an indicator of your ability.

Instead of seeing a fall as a setback, view it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Each fall gives you insights into what might have gone wrong and how you can enhance your communication with your horse. This is crucial for developing a deeper understanding and better relationship with your horse.

Focus on the skills you’re gaining every time you ride. Building resilience when things don’t go as planned is an essential part of becoming a confident and capable rider. Remember, a good rider isn’t someone who never falls; a good rider is someone who learns from their experiences, embraces challenges, and continues to develop their skills with each ride.

No one actually wants to fall off their horse, but when we do, we have an opportunity to use the experience as a stepping stone to become a more knowledgeable and skilled rider. This approach will not only improve your riding but also help you bounce back even stronger!

“You should get straight back on your horse if you fall off”

The advice that “you should get straight back on your horse if you fall off” often comes from a well-meaning place, suggesting that you can quickly regain your riding confidence. However, this isn’t always the best or safest course of action.

When it’s appropriate to get back on:

If you’ve had a minor tumble and both you and your horse are unharmed, calm, and confident, getting back on can indeed be a good way to move past the incident. It helps prevent overthinking and reinforces to both you and your horse that you’re both OK.

When it isn’t appropriate to remount:

If there’s any evidence of injury to either you or your horse, it’s essential to take a moment to pause and assess the situation. Ignoring pain or discomfort can lead to more serious injuries for both you and your horse. Equally, the effects of adrenaline can easily mask injuries and pain after a fall. If your horse is stressed or anxious, or if the environment remains unsafe (e.g., slippery conditions, nearby traffic), attempting to remount can put you both at further risk.

After a fall, take a moment to evaluate how you’re feeling both physically and mentally. If you’re feeling shaken, it’s perfectly reasonable to take some time to recover your composure and ensure you’re mentally ready to ride again. There’s no hurry! Sometimes, taking a short break can be more beneficial for building resilience and maintaining confidence in the long run.

Use your judgement and take advice from people you trust, based on the circumstances. Every fall is different, and it’s entirely up to you as the rider, whether you choose to remount and continue. Of course, in affiliated competitions, riders are not allowed to remount following a fall, so you may have an enforced period of rest and recovery, whether you like it or not

Learning when to get back on and when to take a break, is part of becoming a knowledgeable and responsible rider. A balanced approach helps you develop a deeper understanding of your own and your horse’s needs, building resilience and trust in yourself and your judgement, which in turn builds confidence over time.=

Blaming yourself and beating yourself up each time you fall, isn’t fair to you and it won’t help you make progress or build your confidence. Instead, work on adjusting your perception of the fall and see it as an opportunity to learn and improve. 

Rather than seeing a fall as a failure, view it as a chance to build resilience. Riding involves continuously learning and adapting, and resilience is about bouncing back stronger and more informed after setbacks.

Remember, every rider falls at some point, and it’s simply an opportunity to grow, develop your skills and build resilience.

“If you fall off, you’ll always get hurt”

The belief that “if you fall off, you’ll always get hurt” can be a daunting one and it might become a limiting belief that makes you reluctant to ride your horse. However, it’s important to understand that this isn’t always the case. 

Falling off a horse doesn’t necessarily mean you will get injured. Many falls result in the rider getting up with nothing more than a bruise and a bit of dirt on their clothes. Of course, there’s always a risk of injury when falling, as with any physical activity, but all kinds of factors can influence the outcome, including how you fall, the type of terrain, and the speed at which the incident occurs. 

There are plenty of things you can do to reduce the likelihood of injury:

• Make sure you’re wearing a correctly fitted riding hat, up to a current safety standard
• Your footwear should be suitable for riding, sturdy with a flat sole and small heel, to reduce the risk of your foot getting stuck in the stirrup 
• A correctly fitted body protector and/or air vest can also help you feel safer and more protected
• Improve your riding; develop a secure, balanced seat which is independent of the reins in all paces, including jumping
• Develop your horse’s training; a horse which is responsive, attentive, well-balanced and confident is not only a pleasure to ride, but is a much safer ride too!

Rather than allowing worries about falling off to take up all your headspace, instead focus on building your confidence and resilience through learning, development and taking action. Understanding that falls can be part of learning helps you to accept them as challenges that you can overcome. Each time you get back on the horse, you’re not just building your physical skills and confidence, but also reinforcing your mental resilience.

“If I fall off, I’ll lose my confidence”

The idea that “If I fall off, I’ll lose my confidence” is a really common concern among riders, but it doesn’t have to be the reality. Falling off a horse can be challenging, but it doesn’t automatically mean your confidence will be affected. How you handle a fall can actually become a powerful tool in building your resilience and confidence.

Instead of viewing a fall as a setback, try to see it as a learning opportunity. Objectively review and analyse what led to the fall – was it a communication issue, a misjudgement or simply a lapse in focus? Understanding the reasons behind a fall can provide valuable insights that improve your riding and help you prevent future incidents.

Each time you get back on the horse after a fall, you strengthen your resilience. It’s about managing the natural adrenaline response and shock, then taking time to manage your emotions and make an appropriate plan to move forward in a way that meets your needs and those of your horse. This resilience is a crucial aspect of confidence, not just in riding but in life in general.

Use the experience of a fall to refine your skills. Perhaps it highlights a need for more practice in a certain area or an adjustment in how you approach a particular riding technique. Working on these areas helps you become a better rider and, in turn, boosts your confidence.

Talk about the experience with your Coach or trusted friends. Often, they can offer advice, and different perspectives, provide reassurance, and a way forward. Reflecting on the fall with supportive community helps you realise that it’s a common part of learning to ride.

Remember, falling off doesn’t have to be a confidence-ender. With the right mindset and approach, it can be a stepping stone to becoming a more skilled and confident rider.

“I don’t bounce like I used to”

The saying “I don’t bounce like I used to” often reflects a natural concern among more mature riders or those returning to horse riding after a break. It’s true that as we age, our bodies might not recover from falls as quickly as they did when we were younger. However, this doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy riding or should be overly concerned about falling.

Part of the solution is adjusting your approach; acknowledge that your body has changed, but also recognise that with age comes experience and wisdom. You can use this knowledge to ride smarter, not harder. Choosing the right horse, one that matches your needs and wants, then focus on what you can do and what you actually want to do. Stop comparing yourself to how you used to ride and enjoy the horse you have now. 

Keeping yourself physically fit and agile through exercises tailored to flexibility and core strength can enhance your ability to handle falls better and recover more quickly. Take things at your own pace. There’s no rush to jump back to the level of riding you were at years ago or to push yourself beyond your comfort zone prematurely. Gradually building up your riding sessions can help reinforce your skills and increase your confidence without overwhelming you.

“I don’t bounce like I used to”

The saying “I don’t bounce like I used to” often reflects a natural concern among more mature riders or those returning to horse riding after a break. It’s true that as we age, our bodies might not recover from falls as quickly as they did when we were younger. However, this doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy riding or should be overly concerned about falling.

Part of the solution is adjusting your approach; acknowledge that your body has changed, but also recognise that with age comes experience and wisdom. You can use this knowledge to ride smarter, not harder. Choosing the right horse, one that matches your needs and wants, then focus on what you can do and what you actually want to do. Stop comparing yourself to how you used to ride and enjoy the horse you have now. 

Keeping yourself physically fit and agile through exercises tailored to flexibility and core strength can enhance your ability to handle falls better and recover more quickly. Take things at your own pace. There’s no rush to jump back to the level of riding you were at years ago or to push yourself beyond your comfort zone prematurely. Gradually building up your riding sessions can help reinforce your skills and increase your confidence without overwhelming you.

In conclusion, falling off a horse doesn’t mean you’re a bad rider. It’s something that happens to everyone, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been riding for years. Instead of seeing a fall as a setback, think of it as a chance to get better at riding. Learn from each fall, use it to improve your skills and communication with your horse, and build your ability to handle challenges. Riding is about learning and adapting, not staying on your horse every time. Embrace each experience as part of your growth and enjoy becoming a more skilled and confident rider.

If you’ve been struggling with your confidence after a fall from your horse, then check this out.