There I was, walking along chatting with a friend in the ring, not a care in the world. There was a trail below the arena and someone riding by, pulled a switch off a bush and as the bush snapped back, it flung something right into my horses face. My horse spun so fast I was sitting on the ground exactly where my horse had been.
I know without a doubt this could have been prevented! I was not paying attention to my horse, and my horse was not tuned in to me.
Here are three things that could have helped to keep me from hitting the ground:
1. Random pattern riding - this is really fun to do on your own or when you are riding and talking to someone. Ride a flower pattern, see if you can move right and left a little bit bigger and bigger so you end up with a cone shape. Make squares. Have fun with it.
2. Subtle Engagement Cues - I love seeing if I can use small cues or even just my thoughts and have my horse engage. Think about moving your pinky on one of the reins and having the horse move the ear on that side. What if you point your toe out a little bit and the horse moves his front leg in that direction. It keeps you both engaged.
3. Sensory Engagement Technique - This one is really interesting. See how many senses you can have the horse respond too. Some of this you might want to do on the ground first. I love getting dog toys with the squeaky thing in them that are like massagers. Massage the horse which engages touch and also the squeaky engages hearing. Play with soft towels or course sponges. Take them in your pockets while you ride and engage your horse rubbing their neck, withers, shoulders or butt.
The real key to staying safe is to make sure you and your horse are are connected at all times, even when you are chatting with someone, keep the horse involved.
For further information, in Episode 24 of Turn Riding Fear Around podcast, I talk about techniques for staying focused in the saddle! You can listen on most podcast platforms or click here!
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