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

Physical Pain

A saddle that doesn't fit well pinches the withers, rubs the spine. The horse tries to get rid of the source of pain. A sharp bit can injure the corners of the lips. A sudden pull of the reins makes the horse flick its head, rear up. Unclean hooves: stones cause pain while 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 a veterinarian.

Fear and Instincts

Horses are prey animals. Their instinct: see danger - run. If a horse is scared (noise, sudden movement, a bag, a flashing shadow), it may lunge in one direction, rear up, throw off the rider. A rider who also panics and pulls on the reins only strengthens the fear. The horse thinks: "There's something scary, and they're holding me - I need to get free."

What to do: teach the horse to cope with fear (gradual desensitization). 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. Pulling on the reins makes the horse lift its head, rear up. Pulling on one rein makes the horse flick its head. Not feeling the rhythm (jumping out of sync) - the horse stumbles. Sitting down too abruptly - it hurts the back.

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

Inappropriate Horse

A green, unbroken horse (young, untrained) may not understand the commands. An experienced horse, but mean (spoiled by previous riders). A machine horse, which is pushed too hard (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 matches your level. Don't buy a "cool stallion" for a beginner.

External Factors

Loud noise (salute, gunshot, dog barking). Insect (a horsefly bite - the horse flinches). Sudden appearance of another animal (a dog under the feet). Bad weather (thunderstorm, hail). Rough road (root, 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 high-quality equipment. Don't take someone else's horse without supervision. Learn to fall (grouping, roll). And remember: a horse doesn't seek revenge. It's just scared or in pain.

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