Falling off is unfortunately just part of the sport we love so much.
But the fear that comes after a bad fall can sure be difficult to overcome. Heels Down Mag is exploring stories of bad falls, and how riders got over their fear. Read the stories of five different journeys from five different riders here, and how they moved past it.
Sarah, 35, an Eventer
The Fall. “I was in a jump lesson the day before going to an event. I took a tumble off my horse after a jump because he hit it super hard. It was an easy fall so I got back on. The next jump we did was a smaller vertical. He jumped very high over it so he wouldn’t touch it. I was catapulted out of the tack and into the air. When I landed I heard a crack and it was instantly super painful. I landed on my right side but the left side of my lower back is the part that hurt.”
The Injury. “I fractured my sacrum near the foramen.”
The Aftereffect. “I took lessons on another horse to jump again. But I haven’t jumped much since then, and (the fall) was 5 years ago. I haven’t evented.”
Finding Confidence. “Get back on and do the things that scare you. (I should take my own advice).”
Krista, 37 a Dressage Rider
The Fall. “During a lesson, my horse bolted at a canter around a corner in the arena then started bucking. I ricocheted off the arena wall and fell onto my left knee.”
The Injury. “Shattered femur and internal bleeding, resulting in a pulmonary embolism that almost killed me. I spent a week in the ICU.”
The Aftereffect. “I mentally changed from ‘I can do this’ to fear and anxiety every time I put my leg over a horse.”
Finding Confidence. “Because I couldn’t control my own anxiety, I only rode super broke, beginner-safe type horses for a year after my injuries until I was able to move past the basic fear. The horse needed to be predictable – even if it wasn’t bombproof…I needed it to not feed on my own emotional state as I used some cognitive therapy to help me become less anxious. Unfortunately I still do not feel confident on spooky, hot, or forward horses. I also never ride a horse I don’t know. Additionally, when I have ridden a horse that is spooky or a bit explosive, my lack of confidence and anxiety reappears, but like when training horses, it’s about small steps forward and not over-facing yourself in overly anxious situations, when you will likely fail.”
Mette, 43, a Hunter/Jumper Rider
The Fall. “We got the opportunity to practice the open water at Caledon and it was my first-ever attempt. I was already nervous to practice in front of a crowd, but I was riding a lease horse for my coach who’s wife adored this guy. Several stops and many attempts later, I said let’s try one more time. I was already shaken, but I growled and kicked and held my hands high. He started to stop, then went straight up and landed flat in the water. I was soaked. The horse took off, his stifles were scratched up. Poor guy. But I was pissy and hugely embarrassed. I never got over that jump with that horse. Thankfully they added an option jump and I took it gladly.”
The Injury. “My pride.”
The Aftereffect. “It shook me. I started stopping at anything with water. Liverpool’s began to haunt me.”
Finding Confidence. “At the time I was a working student. I had two (other horses of my own) which sounds glamorous, but I managed a 35-horse barn that all competed on the A circuit. I also lived at the barn. One morning I woke up, and all the jumps had a Liverpool. Every damned one! I was horrified- it was like an exposed wound and the salt just hurt. But I jumped them all. With water, on my horse, other horses, training horses, ALL THE HORSES! And it was good. We laughed about. Trust your coach. Horses are not a profession that you go into without a whole bunch of experience and knowledge. Failing is part of it.”
LeeAnn, 43, an Eventer
The Fall. “My horse spooked, and reared up twice. I got launched off the second time.”
The Injury. “I had a cracked/ broken rib and my lower back was insanely sore.”
The Aftereffect. “The fall totally decimated my confidence.”
Finding Confidence. “Honestly, I gave myself and the horse time off. I did a complete reset: new trainer, barn, all of it. I went back to basics as he’s an OTTB. I didn’t give up, and I did things at my own pace. It’s important to remember that this is your journey and yours alone.”
Shannon, 41, a Western Rider
The Fall. “I was riding my reined cowhorse mare who was very green and cold-backed in the outdoor arena where I boarded her. She came unglued and bucked me off really hard, knocking the wind out of me. I laid in the arena realizing I was riding alone, without insurance (I was between jobs), and wondering why I was even trying to get this mare through her greenie phase.”
The Injury. “I had some super nice bruises.”
The Aftereffect. “I didn’t ride again until I had health insurance. I had to really summon some bravery to get back on.”
Finding Confidence. “I made a plan. I thought about everything that had ever set her off and adjusted my strategy. I focused on my plan instead of thinking it was really going to hurt…again. Sometimes going slower is actually faster, and safer.”