Things You'll Need:
- Quick release stirrups
- Shoes/boots with heels
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Step 1
Believe it or not - it is better to fall off than get dragged!Stirrups revolutionized riding. For the first time, riders could balance themselves completely with their legs and feet - freeing their hands to do any number of tasks. But as with all things, with the good came the bad. A stirrup is the perfect death-trap if your foot should slide through, turn, and get caught. If your horse bolts while you are snagged, the likelihood of severe injury or death is much more pronounced.
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Step 2
Special "quick-release" stirrups are now made for English riding as well as Western riding. These can be purchased from all major equine retailers. Most saddles are not sold with the safety stirrups and they must be purchased separately. The stirrup is made to hold the ball and the toes of the foot. Ideally, the foot will rest with the balls of the feet on the bar of the stirrup, helping to support the weight of the rider and distribute it evenly through both legs and into the frame of the saddle. But the danger is when the foot slides forward and the ankle also falls through opening of the stirrup. Once this happens, the foot can twist and then the rider will be "stuck". The only way to release your foot at this point is to twist your body until you can point the toe and have the foot slide out. Needless to say, this can be a bit tricky if the horse you are riding is in motion!
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Step 3
Western Safety StirrupThe safety stirrup works by either:1. Emergency release of the side of the stirrup after a certain amount of force is applied, allowing the foot to slide free.2. Preventing the slide of the foot through the stirrup itself.
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Step 4
A person can be dragged by a horse from the ground as well. One of the most common mistakes novice horse-handlers make is wrapping the lead rope/reins around their hands or arms. This is a recipe for disaster. One major spook and that rope will tighten like a vise - and the handler will be off their feet in a split second. Make sure that the lead rope is looped upon itself, then held in your hand. Never stand on the rope or loop it around your feet.
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Step 5
Remember that being proactive about your safety with your equine friends is far better than regretting it later.
