Bailing off

Jade · 08-12-2008, 09:42 AM

With the falls that I've had off of my horses (thank goodness they are few and far between) they have come unexpectedly and I fell where I fell. However, now that I'm putting Sophie back into training after being off for five years she has days that she completely bunches up and is ready to bolt. I know its not a question of if; its when. I'm ok with that, I've mostly ridden her without stirrups and I wear my helmet. However, when you have a horse that bolts what is your technique for bailing off? How are you dismounting?

Freedomnchrist · 08-12-2008, 09:53 AM

I think they say you are suppose to ball up.....so you roll...but i could be wrong.

Glad to know even seasoned riders are prepared for the fall...I don't feel so bad now.

Logan-24- · 08-12-2008, 09:53 AM

I honestly try to stay on. To me if I bail every time the horse bolts, they learn that "Hey, if I bolt... No ride!" Same goes for rearing when a horse is incorrectly taught or picks up the habit himself/herself.

The one rein stop does wonders, Clinton Anderson is one of the trainers who presented this and while I haven't used in on a bolting horse its done wonders with my horses on ground work. Yeah, with a bolting and braced horse it's hard to do this because I went through one event where my mare bolted, she had a snaffle, braced her neck and all hell broke loose. I was bareback and tensed up, fell off and got drug three feet. Also thought I broke my leg in the process too

.

But I'd try a one rein stop before you start bailing because your horse *may* start to associating you dismounting every time he bolts and if he doesn't want to work... he's got a scapegoat.

EDIT: Freedomchrist was right about the ball though

breburtch · 08-12-2008, 09:54 AM

You shouldn't bail of a bolting horse unless its heading for something low that there is no way to duck under and theres not enough room to stop them. As bailing is pretty much a reward for bolting and the horse will begin to associate the 2 and then will whenever wanting to get out of work will bolt.

Learn how to do a 1 rein stop and teach your horse how to do it. It works well and saves you bailing and teaching your horse a bad habit and saves you or someone else possibly getting injured and prevents a lose horse running around like an idiot.

thumpersgirl · 08-12-2008, 09:59 AM

There's only a couple times that I've bailed and when I did have to, I did as FreedomChrist said and tried to roll into a ball. I'm sure my dismount wasn't graceful or anything but it got me off the horse and out of harms way (for the most part).

However, I've never had to bail off of a horse that was bolting or going to bolt so not sure how well the 'ball' technique would work. As someone else suggested, the one rein stop may be a better option in that case.

Freedomnchrist · 08-12-2008, 10:01 AM

I think I misunderstood the question...I thought she was asking about the technique if she had to .

Sorry......

Joker · 08-12-2008, 10:02 AM

Very good question. Are you rideing in a inclosed arena or round pen. I my self like to ride it out as long as possible hard to do out in the open ( maybe not harder but scarier) I had a dump truck chase us on a gravel road I bailed when he crossed and went into a ditch. Are you teaching the one rein stop I would start there if your not. Or if your in a arena and she bolts ( I am assuming bolting means a runaway/ out of control run, not a bucking rodeo ) use the corners to stop or slow her down harder in a round pen but if shes just running ( in a arena or round pen not out in the open I bailed cause after we crossed the road there was a woods he was heading for not going to survive going thru that) and not bucking my mind set would be "you can't run forever" and ride it out let her figure out she can't get rid of you that way. Is there a reason she is bolting ? Otherwise get low and push off away and back so you do not get under or in front of her legs and in the grass if possible. I know somewhere there has to be video/or print of the emergncy dismount. hang in there have a long talk with her too naughty horse

thumpersgirl · 08-12-2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freedomnchrist

I think I misunderstood the question...I thought she was asking about the technique if she had to .

Sorry......

That's what I thought too. Maybe I'm confused as well.

Freedomnchrist · 08-12-2008, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thumpersgirl

That's what I thought too. Maybe I'm confused as well.

I stay confused my friend!

Freedomnchrist · 08-12-2008, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joker

Very good question. Are you rideing in a inclosed arena or round pen. I my self like to ride it out as long as possible hard to do out in the open ( maybe not harder but scarier) I had a dump truck chase us on a gravel road I bailed when he crossed and went into a ditch. Are you teaching the one rein stop I would start there if your not. Or if your in a arena and she bolts ( I am assuming bolting means a runaway/ out of control run, not a bucking rodeo ) use the corners to stop or slow her down harder in a round pen but if shes just running ( in a arena or round pen not out in the open I bailed cause after we crossed the road there was a woods he was heading for not going to survive going thru that) and not bucking my mind set would be "you can't run forever" and ride it out let her figure out she can't get rid of you that way. Is there a reason she is bolting ? Otherwise get low and push off away and back so you do not get under or in front of her legs and in the grass if possible. I know somewhere there has to be video/or print of the emergncy dismount. hang in there have a long talk with her too naughty horse

Great post.

pippy · 08-12-2008, 10:29 AM

Edited to ad: I read the OP as asking how does each individual do it..if I"ve misunderstood then sorry...but I 've also given examples of when I used it...it is good to know incase you are in a situation where bailing off is the best choice:

I have bailed from horses before...whether bucking or bolting (I've done both) I first take my feet out of the stirrups, swing my leg over and try to shove off away from the horse so I don't get a hoof to my head oh, and I was taught to tuck- sometimes there's no time for thinking of it either but if you tuck you could possibly avoid a neck injury ..well it's kinda hard to explain..I've not done it alot, but like once I was riding my mare and she started bucking so bad and she got darn close to the county ditch and I could not get her under control and I thought it's bad to have her drop in there, but I sure didn't want to be with her if she did...so I bailed...(she didn't drop in there but it was scary close) she ran all the way home after that...another time, I was on my 'crazy arabian' who bolted all the time, I bailed on him just before he entered the grove of thick trees..when he bolted, there was no turning him..he would not respond to any cues..and I didn't want to be taken out by a tree branch

) .good luck~

Carri · 08-12-2008, 11:52 AM

Try to land on your feet! Perhaps some gymnastics lessons? Sorry, that wasn't much help, was it?

The one thing I know is, try NOT to catch yourself with your hand/arm, those bones are easily broken from the impact. Ideally, you want to try to pull your knees up and land as close to the "fetal position" as possible.

Crookedblaze · 08-12-2008, 11:57 AM

I've had to bail off once when some idiots were shooting BBs at my horses and we were heading into some thick trees. I've fallen off and tucked before and that just ended up wrong, I came off weird and I got roadrash all over my back and strained some muscles pretty badly. I did what Pippy said, I got both feet out of the stirrups, swung over and pushed off.

GreyDot · 08-12-2008, 12:07 PM

Learn to do a vaulting "scissor" dismount, where you kick your legs out of the stirrups, swing your straight legs forward, then swing your 'off' leg back and towards the horse's rump, hard, which will lift you out of the saddle and carry you over the horse. Then, you will need to land safely.

Which is why, in riding, as in gymnastics, before we teach 'flight', we teach 'height' - and before that, we teach 'landing'. Once the person is air-borne, it's too late to explain to them how to land without cracking their head open.

Therefore, practice gently running and falling forward, tucking your chin to your chest and tumbling over your shoulder (if you're landing on the horse's near side, then you'll want to tumble over your left shoulder) tucking your arms and legs quite closely and rolling as far as you can. Not only does this get you away from the horse, but the continued motion will dissipate the energy of the fall - so you'll hurt less.

A smart thing to do is to have an experienced instructor go through it with you a few times. Preferably one who teaches Pony Club, because it's there that stuff like that is covered very well. You can even visit a local martial arts studio or gymnastics gym, and pay them $20 to teach you how to fall safely. They have the landing mats that will make it easier for you to practice than doing it on your front lawn or living room floor. It really IS a skill, and is taught quite thoroughly in sports that require it.

Jade · 08-12-2008, 05:23 PM

This is all good info and yes I was asking about actually coming off. I know how to do a one rein stop but there are times when bailing is the only option. It hasn't happened yet with Sophie but I would like to learn to "vault" off as Dot described. She has given a couple of bucks but I rode those out. I dont' think there is a problem other than she was really spoiled and not ridden at all in the last five years due to her previous owners health issues. I've only ridden her three times so I understand this is all new to her and its like starting over. I really like the martial arts idea!

wheresmysanity · 08-12-2008, 06:21 PM

This is hurting me just thinking about it.
Dumb question i know but when your swinging your leg over is it to the front or behind you as if youre dismounting (well you are but in a hurry)

GreyDot · 08-12-2008, 06:49 PM

It's something like a regular dismount, with the leg going BEHIND you - but with a LOT more energy. You MUST stay facing forward, or you WILL fall under the horse's feet. Here's a link that shows (although somewhat extremely) how it looks. Scroll below the rainbow circle for pictures of the emergency dismount.
http://www.harmonywithhorses.com/longeingtherider.html

If I can get Scott to videotape me this week, and if Dot isn't too sore, I'll do a video of one and post it.

Watch this video of a basic vaulting rider. She does the kind of dismount I'm describing at 1:59 and 3:17 in the video - although she dismounts to the OFF side.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sos3T...eature=related

The only difference is that, if you're doing this at speed, like if a horse bolts, it is NOT going to be pretty, and you will not stick the landing. If you try to, that's just asking for a broken ankle. As fast as you land, you must roll away to dissipate the energy of the fall.

horsebabyhehe · 08-12-2008, 06:56 PM

TUCK AND ROLL! TUCK AND ROLL!!!

trinabug · 08-12-2008, 07:31 PM

I could show you a picture but I think the story is enough...when the one rein stop isn't an option....do not try to land on your feet...I had a colt bolt on me when we found a nice nest of bees..one rein didn't work so I held on and then up ahead I noticed the five strand barb wire fence... and I thought to myself...nope I don't think I want to go there with you... so I swung my leg over and pushed off and I couldn't believe it..I landed on my feet....the 16 hand colt took all five strands off the pole ..then he came back to me ( now sitting) and looked down at me like I was the idiot...11 weeks in a cast with a broken ankle...seems I landed too hard..I agree tuck and roll

Joker · 08-12-2008, 07:51 PM

I was also on a TW that bolted for home did not have to bail that time. He took off after the moron in the group took off had a snaffle bit in one rein stop didn't work the see saw method did not work and loose tight/pull wasn't working I could bend his head all the way around to my knee we were on a sand dirt long windeing road woods on both sides could steer him to either side just not stop figured it was better for him to see where he was going let his head straight as at my knee was not slowing him down at all and putting him off balance a bit He came to a stop at the gate like nothing happened very dangerous habit. Not sure if a stronger bit would of helped. But I agree sometime the one rein stop will not work like on this walker or if the horse is to stiff necked to bend or in a panic like the pony from the dump truck when I did have to bail. If anyone knows where to get a video on the one rein stop or the emergency dismount let me know it would be a good video for the 4Hers.

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08-12-2008, 09:42 AM
Jade Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 702	Bailing off With the falls that I've had off of my horses (thank goodness they are few and far between) they have come unexpectedly and I fell where I fell. However, now that I'm putting Sophie back into training after being off for five years she has days that she completely bunches up and is ready to bolt. I know its not a question of if; its when. I'm ok with that, I've mostly ridden her without stirrups and I wear my helmet. However, when you have a horse that bolts what is your technique for bailing off? How are you dismounting?

08-12-2008, 09:53 AM
Freedomnchrist Greenbroke Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,312	I think they say you are suppose to ball up.....so you roll...but i could be wrong. Glad to know even seasoned riders are prepared for the fall...I don't feel so bad now.

08-12-2008, 09:53 AM
Logan-24- Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 470	I honestly try to stay on. To me if I bail every time the horse bolts, they learn that "Hey, if I bolt... No ride!" Same goes for rearing when a horse is incorrectly taught or picks up the habit himself/herself. The one rein stop does wonders, Clinton Anderson is one of the trainers who presented this and while I haven't used in on a bolting horse its done wonders with my horses on ground work. Yeah, with a bolting and braced horse it's hard to do this because I went through one event where my mare bolted, she had a snaffle, braced her neck and all hell broke loose. I was bareback and tensed up, fell off and got drug three feet. Also thought I broke my leg in the process too . But I'd try a one rein stop before you start bailing because your horse may start to associating you dismounting every time he bolts and if he doesn't want to work... he's got a scapegoat. EDIT: Freedomchrist was right about the ball though __________________

08-12-2008, 09:54 AM
breburtch Coming two Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ennismore, Ontario Posts: 1,905	You shouldn't bail of a bolting horse unless its heading for something low that there is no way to duck under and theres not enough room to stop them. As bailing is pretty much a reward for bolting and the horse will begin to associate the 2 and then will whenever wanting to get out of work will bolt. Learn how to do a 1 rein stop and teach your horse how to do it. It works well and saves you bailing and teaching your horse a bad habit and saves you or someone else possibly getting injured and prevents a lose horse running around like an idiot.

08-12-2008, 09:59 AM
thumpersgirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,388	There's only a couple times that I've bailed and when I did have to, I did as FreedomChrist said and tried to roll into a ball. I'm sure my dismount wasn't graceful or anything but it got me off the horse and out of harms way (for the most part). However, I've never had to bail off of a horse that was bolting or going to bolt so not sure how well the 'ball' technique would work. As someone else suggested, the one rein stop may be a better option in that case. __________________ Some people are like Slinkies; they're good for nothing, but make you smile when you push them down a long flight of stairs.

08-12-2008, 10:01 AM
Freedomnchrist Greenbroke Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,312	I think I misunderstood the question...I thought she was asking about the technique if she had to . Sorry......

08-12-2008, 10:02 AM
Joker Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 218	Very good question. Are you rideing in a inclosed arena or round pen. I my self like to ride it out as long as possible hard to do out in the open ( maybe not harder but scarier) I had a dump truck chase us on a gravel road I bailed when he crossed and went into a ditch. Are you teaching the one rein stop I would start there if your not. Or if your in a arena and she bolts ( I am assuming bolting means a runaway/ out of control run, not a bucking rodeo ) use the corners to stop or slow her down harder in a round pen but if shes just running ( in a arena or round pen not out in the open I bailed cause after we crossed the road there was a woods he was heading for not going to survive going thru that) and not bucking my mind set would be "you can't run forever" and ride it out let her figure out she can't get rid of you that way. Is there a reason she is bolting ? Otherwise get low and push off away and back so you do not get under or in front of her legs and in the grass if possible. I know somewhere there has to be video/or print of the emergncy dismount. hang in there have a long talk with her too naughty horse

08-12-2008, 10:29 AM
pippy Long Yearling Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: minnesota Posts: 1,086	Edited to ad: I read the OP as asking how does each individual do it..if I"ve misunderstood then sorry...but I 've also given examples of when I used it...it is good to know incase you are in a situation where bailing off is the best choice: I have bailed from horses before...whether bucking or bolting (I've done both) I first take my feet out of the stirrups, swing my leg over and try to shove off away from the horse so I don't get a hoof to my head oh, and I was taught to tuck- sometimes there's no time for thinking of it either but if you tuck you could possibly avoid a neck injury ..well it's kinda hard to explain..I've not done it alot, but like once I was riding my mare and she started bucking so bad and she got darn close to the county ditch and I could not get her under control and I thought it's bad to have her drop in there, but I sure didn't want to be with her if she did...so I bailed...(she didn't drop in there but it was scary close) she ran all the way home after that...another time, I was on my 'crazy arabian' who bolted all the time, I bailed on him just before he entered the grove of thick trees..when he bolted, there was no turning him..he would not respond to any cues..and I didn't want to be taken out by a tree branch ) .good luck~ __________________ Put your heart, mind, intellect, and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.\" â€“ Swami Sivananda Saraswati Last edited by pippy : 08-12-2008 at 10:46 AM.

08-12-2008, 11:52 AM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 10,086	Try to land on your feet! Perhaps some gymnastics lessons? Sorry, that wasn't much help, was it? The one thing I know is, try NOT to catch yourself with your hand/arm, those bones are easily broken from the impact. Ideally, you want to try to pull your knees up and land as close to the "fetal position" as possible. __________________

08-12-2008, 11:57 AM
Crookedblaze Started Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,447	I've had to bail off once when some idiots were shooting BBs at my horses and we were heading into some thick trees. I've fallen off and tucked before and that just ended up wrong, I came off weird and I got roadrash all over my back and strained some muscles pretty badly. I did what Pippy said, I got both feet out of the stirrups, swung over and pushed off. __________________ Owned by Rocketman, a 17 year old AQHA and Stormy, a 10 year old Peruvian Paso x Arab

08-12-2008, 12:07 PM
GreyDot Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Between AZ and OH Posts: 2,295	Learn to do a vaulting "scissor" dismount, where you kick your legs out of the stirrups, swing your straight legs forward, then swing your 'off' leg back and towards the horse's rump, hard, which will lift you out of the saddle and carry you over the horse. Then, you will need to land safely. Which is why, in riding, as in gymnastics, before we teach 'flight', we teach 'height' - and before that, we teach 'landing'. Once the person is air-borne, it's too late to explain to them how to land without cracking their head open. Therefore, practice gently running and falling forward, tucking your chin to your chest and tumbling over your shoulder (if you're landing on the horse's near side, then you'll want to tumble over your left shoulder) tucking your arms and legs quite closely and rolling as far as you can. Not only does this get you away from the horse, but the continued motion will dissipate the energy of the fall - so you'll hurt less. A smart thing to do is to have an experienced instructor go through it with you a few times. Preferably one who teaches Pony Club, because it's there that stuff like that is covered very well. You can even visit a local martial arts studio or gymnastics gym, and pay them $20 to teach you how to fall safely. They have the landing mats that will make it easier for you to practice than doing it on your front lawn or living room floor. It really IS a skill, and is taught quite thoroughly in sports that require it. __________________ ...There is nothing to be done till a horse's head is settled. ~William Cavendish Stuipid CAN be fixed... you just have to hit it hard enough! ~A rare moment of inspiration

08-12-2008, 05:23 PM
Jade Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 702	This is all good info and yes I was asking about actually coming off. I know how to do a one rein stop but there are times when bailing is the only option. It hasn't happened yet with Sophie but I would like to learn to "vault" off as Dot described. She has given a couple of bucks but I rode those out. I dont' think there is a problem other than she was really spoiled and not ridden at all in the last five years due to her previous owners health issues. I've only ridden her three times so I understand this is all new to her and its like starting over. I really like the martial arts idea!

08-12-2008, 06:21 PM
wheresmysanity Halter broke Join Date: May 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 138	This is hurting me just thinking about it. Dumb question i know but when your swinging your leg over is it to the front or behind you as if youre dismounting (well you are but in a hurry)

08-12-2008, 06:49 PM
GreyDot Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Between AZ and OH Posts: 2,295	It's something like a regular dismount, with the leg going BEHIND you - but with a LOT more energy. You MUST stay facing forward, or you WILL fall under the horse's feet. Here's a link that shows (although somewhat extremely) how it looks. Scroll below the rainbow circle for pictures of the emergency dismount. http://www.harmonywithhorses.com/longeingtherider.html If I can get Scott to videotape me this week, and if Dot isn't too sore, I'll do a video of one and post it. Watch this video of a basic vaulting rider. She does the kind of dismount I'm describing at 1:59 and 3:17 in the video - although she dismounts to the OFF side. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sos3T...eature=related The only difference is that, if you're doing this at speed, like if a horse bolts, it is NOT going to be pretty, and you will not stick the landing. If you try to, that's just asking for a broken ankle. As fast as you land, you must roll away to dissipate the energy of the fall. __________________ ...There is nothing to be done till a horse's head is settled. ~William Cavendish Stuipid CAN be fixed... you just have to hit it hard enough! ~A rare moment of inspiration Last edited by GreyDot : 08-12-2008 at 07:09 PM.

08-12-2008, 06:56 PM
horsebabyhehe Yearling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 556	TUCK AND ROLL! TUCK AND ROLL!!! __________________ The mind is a terrible place for a frog to sit and stuff his face!!!

08-12-2008, 07:31 PM
trinabug Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 237	I could show you a picture but I think the story is enough...when the one rein stop isn't an option....do not try to land on your feet...I had a colt bolt on me when we found a nice nest of bees..one rein didn't work so I held on and then up ahead I noticed the five strand barb wire fence... and I thought to myself...nope I don't think I want to go there with you... so I swung my leg over and pushed off and I couldn't believe it..I landed on my feet....the 16 hand colt took all five strands off the pole ..then he came back to me ( now sitting) and looked down at me like I was the idiot...11 weeks in a cast with a broken ankle...seems I landed too hard..I agree tuck and roll

08-12-2008, 07:51 PM
Joker Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 218	I was also on a TW that bolted for home did not have to bail that time. He took off after the moron in the group took off had a snaffle bit in one rein stop didn't work the see saw method did not work and loose tight/pull wasn't working I could bend his head all the way around to my knee we were on a sand dirt long windeing road woods on both sides could steer him to either side just not stop figured it was better for him to see where he was going let his head straight as at my knee was not slowing him down at all and putting him off balance a bit He came to a stop at the gate like nothing happened very dangerous habit. Not sure if a stronger bit would of helped. But I agree sometime the one rein stop will not work like on this walker or if the horse is to stiff necked to bend or in a panic like the pony from the dump truck when I did have to bail. If anyone knows where to get a video on the one rein stop or the emergency dismount let me know it would be a good video for the 4Hers.