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Step 1
Wear proper safety equipment, including an ASTM/SEI approved helmet (with harness) and a body protector vest at all times. Roll over accidents are highly unpredictable--you may wind up under the horse, or flung into something solid. Safety gear significantly reduces the severity of injuries received in falls.
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Step 2
Check all of your tack for fit, for spots that are wearing thin, and for weakened straps or buckles every time you ride. Equipment failures can cause saddles and bridles to slip, cause the horse discomfort, or throw her out of balance. If your horse is out of balance, she is far more likely to fall or strike a jumping obstacle and cause roll over injuries.
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Step 3
Ride at a safe level. Your trainer will be able to help you determine what level is safe for you and your horse.
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Step 4
Take steps to ensure you are always balanced on your horse, never getting ahead of him. When going over fences, it is always safer to be left behind than to jump ahead of your horse; jumping ahead can put your horse out of balance enough to strike the fence, leading to a roll over accident. It is also more likely to make a horse take off from an unsafe distance, as he struggles to catch up with you, which can also lead to roll over accidents and injuries.
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Step 5
Incorporate long rein and gymnastic exercises when you are training or schooling your horse. A horse that is well balanced and capable of finding her footing and stride without the rider holding her head up will be far less prone to roll over accidents and injuries. In addition, these exercises help the horse to determine when it is and isn't safe to jump by letting them hone their self-preservation instincts; better a horse that refuses an obstacle for penalty points than one who takes flying--unsafe--leaps at anything put in front of her. Riding is a partnership--horse and rider both must be able to judge the safety of completing the task. Otherwise, dangerous falls and roll over injuries are far more likely to occur.
