As you decide you’re going to fall, kick your feet out of the stirrups to start getting away from the horse. If you hold onto the reins as you fall, you may hurt your shoulder or be dragged along the ground.

Go as far and as fast as possible away from the horse.

At this point, hopefully your muscle memory will take over and help you keep rolling.

If you don’t land feet first, try to take the brunt of the fall on your thigh or the back of your shoulder. Do your best to avoid landing on your neck or straight on your back. [7] X Research source

By practicing a fall, you’re getting it in your muscle memory. That way, when you start falling off a horse, you’re more likely to fall safely.

Your arms need to be tight across your chest so that you don’t use an elbow to take the force of the fall, which could result in a broken elbow. Never put your arms straight out in front of you to catch your fall. [10] X Research source You may want to wear a protective vest to protect your torso while falling. You can find them at tack stores and online. [11] X Research source

As you roll, try to do so at an angle from where you began. That way, you end up moving away from your horse.

Tuck your chin into your chest as you move into the roll. [14] X Research source

Practice this move over and over until you get the hang of it. Think of it sort of like a forward roll, except you move more at an angle.

Practice this move until you’re comfortable with it.

Work on strengthening exercises, such as ones that work on your core and building muscles. You could try things like pushups, sit-ups, and crunches, just to name a few. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week, such as walking, swimming, or running.

Choose a riding helmet certified by a safety organization. Look for helmets that state they meet ASTM/SEI standards. Don’t use a bike riding helmet instead of a riding helmet. Bike helmets don’t offer the same protection as riding helmets.

Other types of shoes and tie up riding boots can get trapped in the stirrups, which can drag you along in the case of a fall. Plus, sturdy boots help protect your foot if the horse stamps on it. [20] X Research source

For instance, make sure the saddle isn’t too far forward, causing it to hit the horse’s shoulder blades as it walks. That makes the saddle uncomfortable for the horse. Check the bottom of the saddle before putting it on your horse to make sure it doesn’t have any broken or rough spots that could be hurting your horse. Add a thick, wool saddle pad underneath the saddle to make it the most comfortable for your horse. [21] X Research source

Harsher bits make the horse more sensitive, but that can actually make the horse harder to control, as the horse will over-respond to your commands. Plus, a painful bit can even cause a horse to bolt.

Even with safety stirrups, make sure you keep your heels down. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Moving away from the group can cause your horse to buck or become upset. However, try not to ride too close together, as that can cause a horse to kick. Often, this happens when you get behind when you’re riding with a group and your horse suddenly wants to catch up. It may panic a bit and rush headlong into the group, causing mayhem and possibly kicking.

Always return to this position, even if you need to move around to make a jump or another maneuver. Never bounce around in the saddle intentionally. Not only could this cause you to lose your balance, this may make the horse rear, buck, or increase speed suddenly.

Keep in mind that horses like to race, so be wary of letting your horse go too fast. If your horse is abreast of other horses, it may try to go faster and faster, particularly if it knows its headed towards home. Slow it down to keep things from getting out of control.

Stop if necessary. If your horse gets nervous when another horse passes by, when a plastic bag drifts by, or for any other reason, stop the horse. Let another rider know what’s going on and attempt to calm the horse before moving.

Never pull down and back. This can cause you or the horse to flip over.

Holding on with your calves can cue the horse to increase its speed. If there’s no way you can stay on the horse, start planning to jump and roll.