Insurance companies will tell you most accidents happen while mounting or dismounting. This is when the rider is most vulnerable. The intention behind the rules for ACTHA are safety for horse and rider.
Let's consider some variables in mounting and dismounting. Some of the factors are size of horse and size of rider. In Western riding we often see a tall man on a small horse. In English we might see a small woman on a very tall horse. Either way, we feel the safest way to dismount on trail (and quite honestly in every discipline) is to land with both feet touching simultaneously. There is no way to get dragged from that position! Consider these aids.
1. Friction is your friend. Slide down the side of your saddle. If you are dismounting from the left (near side), swing your right leg over the back of your horse. Lean against your saddle, releasing your left stirrup. Then SLIDE down landing on both feet.
2. Choose your dismounting (and mounting) area wisely. There is always a slope, a ditch, a level elevated area, something in reasonable proximity to help you.
3. If most of your riding ends up at your home base consider having a solid elevated surface 2-3 feet high available to use. Just this little advantage will take 90% of the impact away from your safe landing.
The Trail Dismount
Trail Tips by Carrie Scrima
A Founder of the American Competitive Horse Association
Tom and Carrie
Scrima of ACTHA
ACTHA Monthly | November 2014 | 26