When its Time to Bail - The Emergency Dismount

As riders, we have all had those moments where we have to make that split second decision - should I bail? We may look back and laugh about it but in the moment, its actually a very important decision! Especially when you are learning to ride it can be much safer to know the limits of "what you can ride", and get off when you feel trouble brewing! Of course, every situation is different and we don't want to get in the habit of jumping off every time our horse gets a bit fresh, however, being comfortable with doing an emergency dismount is still a good skill to have. In today's video I show you the mechanics of doing an emergency dismount and discuss how you can practice it at home.
Feeling uneasy and tense in the saddle can be very unsettling and effecting your time with your horse, visit: www.crktrainingblog.com/freeco... for more information

[@PositivelyPam]

How come none of my riding instructors ever taught me this? Should be mandatory for all beginners. One time inside the arena the horse I was riding suddenly stepped sideways like a dressage move and then just BOLTED into a full a gallop. Because I didn't know any better and because I was afraid of breaking my legs, I crossed my arms over my chest, took my feet out of the stirrups and leaned over and fell onto my side. I ended up bruising the bone right near you-know-what down there, which made bowel movements painful for a couple of days. The horse had been nervous while outside which is why the instructor moved us and the other student in my group indoors but it didn't do much to improve the situation.

[@bonemeat]

Im yet to be taught this - The only knowledge I had before this video was to just jump off and get away but never knew exactly how. It's especially useful when Im put on the more.. Lively horses in my group lessons, the most recent one being when the horse I was on had recently been clipped, it was cold out, and because of lockdown he hadn't been ridden in a while. Any time I tried to canter him he'd start bronking and spooking at everything, though I managed to hang on each time.

[@mariama8995]

Aww I’m glad you’re okay. I’m a complete beginner and didn’t know about any of this. I was riding at the Giza pyramids today and my horse was galloping downhill. I lost my balance and fell off. Thank god I’m in one piece with only a small bruise on my ankle. Being a beginner ( and with no helmet!) things could have been much worse. Riding was an amazing experience though and I’m looking forward to doing it again. That’s why I’m here, to learn the safety basics lol

[@katherineolson8426]

So sorry to hear you had that experience… I hope you made a full recovery.. 🐴😎

[@dash33r22]

me too my teach bever thought me that causing me to break my elbow frim a bad fall! i didnr know

[@caitlinclaypool9074]

No literally, the same thing happened to me and I didn't know what to do so I fell straight onto my back and was in a lot of pain for weeks. If I'd known how to have a safe fall that may not have happened.

[@shannonlynch6206]

I was practicing this, and my horse was looking at me like I was mental. He thinks work is get on do work then get off. He got so confused!

[@uvvchaiming]

Zasha Puppylund I think you should ride first then as your horse is walking get off

[@toddchamberlain6507]

I really appreciate how patient Ace was for you. :) He doesn't know you're filming an instructional video... you're just jumping off in the middle of his walk. I imagine he's thinking 'wth is she doing?'. LOL. Thanks again, great video.

[@JezebelRush]

It's surprising what you can do in a pinch. I am not saying you shouldn't practice this beforehand (you definitely should) but one time when my horse decided to bunnyhop with me on bareback (I am a beginner rider, so it wasn't something I felt comfortable staying on for) I managed to swiftly do an emergency dismount and land on my feet, with the reins still in my hands. I don't know how I did it, but I did haha.

[@dash33r22]

haha thats really cool

[@JosefineGreenForest]

I learned that a while ago and my riding instructor likes to test me. So she'll yell "Emergency Dismount" to see if I remember it and to see if I can do it safely.

[@lisenteequestrian9550]

That is such a great idea!

[@ryanrichard5696]

same here

[@vidikat]

Great instructor!

[@judyperri9496]

Mine did too

[@davawyatt2234]

Definitely helpful. Lets me know I dismounted correctly in my most recent emergency, now that I've watched her video. My mom and I were riding our horses, trying to round up a neighbor's three Angus cattle, two pregnant (and soon due) cows and a bull. We drove them into their pen, but one of the cows somehow busted through. Mom took off after her, and I had to hold my mare back. Spirit (my horse) was really upset. She started freaking out. Pulling her head down, dancing around aggressively, shaking and throwing her head around, and generally acting like she was on the verge of bucking--stiff legs, arched back, low head, trying to rush forward, etc. I'd ridden her through bucking before just fine, but this new behavior was very unsettling. I decided I needed to get off pronto before I lost control and Spirit ran off, with or without me. So I did exactly like the CRKtraining lady said. I kicked my feet from the stirrups (we ride Western by the way), grabbed her mane, waited for a safe moment to dismount, hastily swung my right leg over, and swung/jumped off as quickly as possible. My adrenaline was going so fast all I could do was hold her reins and walk away from the direction mom had went. Very smart to make a video about emergency dismounts. Maybe do a video on controlled falling? And in case anyone was curious, I'm 4'10'' and my now 7 year old Paint-Quarter horse mare is right at 15hh. :)

[@armadillo-arts]

Wow o.o Glad you're okay!

[@carlahuffman6737]

Wish I would’ve known this 30 years ago - I would’ve had so much more confidence!!! Thank you so much !

[@strgnptrl]

I like that you teach safety, I’ve bailed once before and I’ve got so much insults for doing it that I rather falling that get humiliated again like that!

[@HannahCobana]

I love that you actually made a video about this. I don't think an e dismount is something people really think about beforehand so if they don't know the safest way they could be putting themselves in even more danger because they e dismount in an unsafe manner because they don't know. I personally was never taught this and I trained at multiple stables in different states even.

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

this should be the first thing taught

[@nancydenson3727]

Thanks for the good video. After 40 years of riding and maybe a bit of overconfidence on a very green horse I had a really bad crash (it happens!). After that I spent a few years launching like a rocket even when not needed. Now i am teaching my grandkids to ride and I'm going to watch this with them. You are a good instructor!

[@TinyHomesteadBlog]

Thank you for addressing the "walking your horse through something" option!!!

[@kelseygreene4293]

I like this video especially because a few weeks ago one of my trainer's students died from being trampled by her horse when she tried sliding down it's neck in an attempt to bail. If only she had known the common sense to push away, then maybe she would have lived; hopefully others can really learn from this. I'm glad to see that there is a video to educate others in this matter. It really can save a life in extreme situations!

[@ljwismer6028]

I had to bail during my lesson today when my horse took off from a canter into a full on gallop. He became completely uncontrollable so I bailed when I felt my balance was about to just go out the window. It would be good to see a video on how to gain control when your horse takes off with you

[@anacxchapman]

I mounted my horse bareback and he bolted. I was hanging off the side so I just jumped off. If I hadn't jumped off i probably would've been thrown off and broke my back.

[@paloma4444]

Broke your back??? So dramatic

[@baumannmartina5086]

i trained this with my Arabian,when he was young and i rewarded him for standing at the moment i left the saddle.It's great,he never left me alone,even when i fell off by accident.❤

[@annchap1]

definitly going to practice this and hope I never need it. Just knowing I could do it will give me a piece of mind.

[@mossnorn8369]

Thank you so much for posting this! I'd love to see more emergency riding tips for beginner riders.

[@mrsreed9861]

Great video. I have always been too afraid to bail because I had no idea how to do it. PS Ace is adorable.

[@KM-px8cs]

Great technique and what a sweetheart of a horse, I see why you used him for this demonstration.

[@mekimify]

Your horse is such a sweetheart! :))

[@hotflash5996]

Thanks for the video. I need to practice this , as I've never done it. I've done the slide off, which as you mentioned could be bad if I get hung up on something. As a new rider (7mos. now), there is still so much to learn.

[@medicareworkbooks7702]

Thanks for doing these weekly videos; they're really informative. You may have a video on this, but I noticed a few questions about how to get a runaway horse under control. I was taught to turn the horse in as tight a circle as possible (and it worked for me). Now, of course, when on a trail, often there's no room for long stretches, but as soon as there is, reach up on one side of the reins and get into a circle.

[@melaniailiuk779]

I didn't know this before I fell of a horse twice. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@nbe1951]

Thanks for this. I'm 66 and a soft dismount is important to my knees and seeing you do this when the horse is in motion. Need to also turn after dismount to face the direction the horse is going so s/he doesn't leave you in the dust!

[@28951SBDMDK]

Helpful! Thank you for the instruction!

[@dave-d]

Cool video. I kind of developed my own technique of e dismount by swinging my right leg over the horses neck in front of me allowing me to land facing forward on my horses left side and ready to run with the horse if necessary with the reins in my right hand. Not sure if this is correct but it feels instinctive and allows me to merge with the horses motion when meeting the ground. The method here lands you sideways with the possibility of a stumble to your left as you land perhaps if done at speed. Still a very valid option though. Ride it out is, of course, the ideal but for some this could be a real life saver. This is the only video I have seen that covers this. Thanks for posting it. Good work.

[@veronicaselz5764]

Thanks for the tips you both did great. What a good boy!!

[@spannerclyde6832]

I practice this every time I get off. It's useful to know when a horse bolts on you or bucks etc and you know that if you don't dismount you're going to fall soon anyways. I've also learnt to ride without stirrups which is also handy if you lose them, because whatever you do, do not try to dismount with your feet in the stirrups! Which means you'll need to know how to stay on when your feet aren't in the stirrups, so that you can get off :)

[@rebeccacavanaugh1994]

Thank you! Very important information.

[@sarahs6228]

One of my horses made me emergency dismount about 2 months ago. My ankle is still broken because he was in a full on bucking cantering terror lol.

[@kierabentley5790]

Me too! Sucks doesn't it? Hope you made a full recovery.

[@philweissburg2194]

Yet...you get to pay for his board and food while you lay in bed.....the true cost of a horse

[@Mchottie17]

great instructions!

[@annagarcia7168]

These where awesome tips thank you !!

[@stephfarrell1356]

You make this look so easy lol.. definitely something to practice what a great video!

[@RedSteady09]

Very helpful video.

[@poniesinthemist]

Great video and great idea to practice. We get drilled to stay on board no matter what. My friend used to get off every time her horse got scared and lead him past. It helped them both stay calm. Ace is a perfect name for that horse. Love how he stops dead as soon as you jump off and sniffs you as you are getting back on.. he's like "erm.. are you ok?" Lol

[@rat_god532]

I think this is very helpful. Friday, Feb 12th, I rode my horse (who is buddy sour) away from my dad's horse. It didn't go well, we got maybe, 50 yards ish away and he turned around and just all of a sudden started galloping. I'm 13, and a beginner horse rider. I didn't have my dad with me so when Atlas (my horse) started galloping, I freaked out and started to slide off of the side of him. When Atlas stopped, I fell off and bruised my knee. Now after watching this video, hopefully I'll remember how to get off of him if he starts suddenly galloping again. Thank you!

[@Ashley-ww5ze]

I had to do an emergency dismount a few weeks ago because my OTTB took off and was going way too fast into a corner and I knew I wouldn't be able to stay on through that turn but I wasn't going to be able to jump off like you demonstrated so I just tuck and rolled off the side. he's 17hh so it is a long fall.

[@Kim-ek7xy]

great launch!

[@vidikat]

Excellent. Thank you so much. 🙏❤️👍🏼

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

wow this is the best video :) emergency dismount is a must learn :) thank you so much !

[@ingridborgheim9839]

Thank you!

[@sagarmatha29]

great video, thanks!

[@dennisharvey237]

Well demonstrated: good video

[@onlethebest]

Thank you so much, this really helped me a few days back when I lost control of the horse and I had to Bail

[@128Dar]

Great video!

[@vijayurs568]

good technique! Thanks :) will try tomorrow :)

[@kevinmalloy2180]

Thanks that’s very good to know! Was good to see it at a trot.

[@yitnoyuwonokasievdashlbata8742]

Good practical 👍👍👍

[@rachellivingrock7993]

I had to do this today, I rode a very hot mare who gets terrible anxiety. I wish I had seen this video before! Really helpful, thanks so much for making these!

[@nbe1951]

Finding the cause of her anxiety would be good for both horse and rider!

[@lincolnbroke]

great video thnks

[@saadbahashwan5728]

Very nice

[@ryna6796]

thank you so much! this will come in handy one day. : )

[@Shangella]

I am glad I found this video. I had to ride a horse that is not ofte ridden last week and could have used this move when my horse freaked out!

[@zillaje]

thanks for the video regardless

[@vanaruone6767]

Prevent spooks by keeping the feet moving and the mind relax. Work away from the scary thing and rest next to the scary thing.

[@TheSes31]

I am finding this video in the search for unscheduled dismounting safely. Took my first one yesterday when the horse got spooked. I injured my hands to keep my head off the ground but I was on my abdomen for sure. I had no choice honestly. There was no time for this. The horse went one way and I flew off the other way.

[@ceciltheminiaturejersey6531]

Could you show us how to do that on a Western saddle? I have a hard time getting my leg over the back of the saddle on a good day. ;)

[@AbbiMarie01]

Great video, a suggestion tho surely before dismounting if there's time putting stirrups over the front of the saddle is safer, less spooky as there will be no stirrups hitting his sides asking for a more forward motion if the horse is particularly sensitive?

[@TheLoobis]

Okay, I legitimately clicked on this video for education purposes but DAMN! (3:35) She is wearing those jeans real nice.

[@OliveDeuce]

ThinkLikeAHorse made a video on this!

[@michelletrombley9960]

I love emergency dismounting practice

[@Sheshollywood]

I fell off a horse yesterday 😂😂 she got scared and started running I was trying to hold on. I have zero training and was not expecting it!

[@billmitchell3329]

Also, be mindful of that If and when you do have to employ an emergency dismount try to get distance as soon as you land on your feet if you can in the event the horse spins around from the rear.

[@lucasa1849]

A rule I've learned is: Don't start a battle you can't finish. If you don't have the tools, skills or experience to handle a situation, get off.

[@dash33r22]

me too my teach bever thought me that causing me to break my elbow frim a bad fall! i didnr know

[@Bandit_the_wonder_horse]

*watches this with bruised pelvis bones on crutches* Lol ty for the vid! Next time I’ll try this! My one concern is if my feet don’t come out of the stirrups and I’ll just twist my leg into a knot, lol

[@dancetothebaileybeat2809]

your horse is so good, it just stops when you get off. whenever any of the horses I ride gets the chance, they walk off to the nearest grass and get stuck at the grass like superglue and it's very hard to get them away.

[@RoRshowjumping]

i had a bad fall today, my horse cruz and i where jumping, he took off over some jumps way to fast, over jumped and i lost my stirrups, ive been riding for years, i was able to stay on, he picked up a gallop to off wich was when i couldnt stop at all, we where in a field, he had to much energy today, he was heading towards the shelter in the field, now i still had my inside rein, the outside hand was on his mane, that was when i knew i had to bail, threw my legs out the stirrups, there was nettles, i had planned my fall, he was speading towards a gate, the other side was a garden, i flung myself off, i could see everything from my pov, ive practiced, dismount on my other horse and on different horses, i used to practice after every ride, when i hit the ground i seen his hoof coming towards my head, me with quick reflects i turned myself over onto my stomach giving him a clear path. if i hadnt bailed i wouldve ended up on the other side of the fence either way, hes larger than my other horse and we just started jumping, as soon as i got up a shooting pain went through my back and thigh, i couldnt bend down, tho me and my friend still trekked up the hill to get cruz, he didnt run away or anything, he got his market harbour over his head so im glad he didnt trip, i havent lost any confidence at all, but i couldnt get back on, i was covered in dust and my helmet is defo cracked as thats 2 major falls, i cant wait to get back on and jump him again.

[@mtmm2000]

Nice one But Canter please 😉

[@nala3055]

I fell off recently- although it was fine as I was riding a little welsh section C pony and I landed on my butt! I still have a bruise though!

[@s_11869]

He was soo confused when u dismounted XD

[@2ndchancehypnotherapy]

be nice to see this at a canter. it would be more realistic if a horse takes off.

[@Freya-si2px]

L 444 When my horse takes of (he does it alot) he gallops

[@Istopwhipsering]

look at videos of vaulters. thats one of their most basic dismounts at all gaits.

[@compendiumyo3358]

When I was 12 my girth broke at a gallop I did a rolling dismount because I was already heading toward the ground because my saddle was on the side. I kept the reins in my hand because I was worried about my horse and I ended up under my horse while she was spooked from the circumstance. If this is a possibility in your situation let go of the reins. All my injuries came from being trampled not from my dismount. Once I was no longer under the horse she immediately stopped.

[@ayte7371]

I actually did this today, my horse wanted to roll so I had to emergency dismount

[@philweissburg2194]

any horse is capable of any behavior at any time....most riders have been thrown...

[@janedoex8345]

well that happened automatically when my horse started to lose his mind and bucking like crazy. ....stirrups got loose, got a grip not no fall the first second, lean forward and slide off with the next sudden direction change. Once hurt some ribs though , hurt like fu** for some weeks. This horse was a really anxious one , easy to spook and if so she loved to run zigzag like a rabbit....Was damn uncomfortable to stay on because you easily flew against a wall....

[@simonerenee7163]

Could you do a video on a horse that follows other horses? When ever I ride this specific horse with another person riding he follows that horse any tips?

[@makepeace234]

But my horse is 18H; I'm small would be hard to practice this; good to know though....

[@uvvchaiming]

Makepeace 1 I have the same problem

[@isabella2472]

I live next to a XC course and all I can see is a horse spooking at the water jump and and a person with a lunge whip shouting 😬😂

[@MikaKotikoski]

Training this, one rein stop and pulley rein should be mandatory.

[@megsterbbb]

I remember going for a jump and the horse refused it and the saddle slipped a lot to the side. I managed to stop her in the middle and get off. I counted it as a type of fall since my foot had gotten stuck in the stirrup when it had slipped closer to me and I had to pull it off with my hand before I completely slipped off her back to the ground. My instructor told me it was an emergency dismount but looking at this, it wasn't anything like that

[@chaostglive3404]

what to do when you fall off befor you even get on yet just wondering becouse i fell off when my horse got scared andbolted

[@kelsey4903]

I had to do this while my horse was rearing

[@IIIRikaIII]

I have a problem here, actually I can't try this movemet... I had a bad injury 1 year ago on my left ankle. I can't land on my left foot, because I can't bend ankle and knee to cushion the land, it would cost me an intense pain and maybe a new injury (oh yes, I'm doing rehabilitation). So, my dismount is always "strange" because I have to dismount on the left side of the horse and land on my right foot first. Have you got an advice for me?

[@Taylorstanek716]

So, I did this in western it doesn't seem different. Is it though?

[@tonyfourpaws4511]

I'm learning how to ride bareback with no gear... do these same tips apply?

[@georgiapadgett332]

Stinks this probably won't work with a western saddle. 😕💜

[@holyalbotrouz5872]

i knoooooooo but its also easier not to die in a western saddle because of the horn and taller cantle

[@lucymarsh7366]

Silver Sterling I had to bail yesterday in a treeless and that was a struggle

[@switchbladekid1365]

What is Ace? Pure Quarter Horse? He's lovely.

[@tammymoothery6972]

Anyone notice that she’s using s western bridle and English saddle

[@charli.h3443]

is it safe to do this if the horse is galloping??

[@yahamagirl160]

what would you do for a really tall horse? like a horse that would be dangerous to jump off of from just the height of the horse?

[@melanieharper9138]

Pray. 😁

[@supermomflyaway330]

yahamagirl160 It's a 4 1/2 foot fall. Don't let the perspective of looking down cause you apprehension. The average person can jump off a 10 foot wall and land on their feet or rock into a rolling ball without anymore harm than a bruised musculature and ego systems. learning confidence by ponying and practice falling with you horse will make you, your horse and your friends and their horse all learn great horse-man-ship and team work. Be afraid when you have a horse who doesn't stop - and come back. You never know what harm will come to them

[@bradensworld9042]

+Melanie Harper Me whenever I accidentally go into a canter

[@wms72]

Do lots of exercises to strengthen your leg muscles before you get in an emergency situation

[@sharonbailey116]

Would love to see this played back in slow motion

[@emmalace-maudsley1796]

What if the horse is cantering or even galloping?

[@JessieLCohnWeirdland]

How can I fight against the fall and stay on a 16.2 hand part Thoroughbred part Warmblood with a bit of Quarter Horse named Stitch and not fall off him and not get hurt on him and get over my fear of riding him at only five feet zero inches tall. Leslie Hunter said I could ride him after I rode Bella and she rode him once or twice, but I really want to have a good time on him, so should I practice posting on him at a walk or not bother and he's a handful, so what's the best pace to ride him if it's my first and second time? I've ridden a calm horse at a trot and another at a canter, but I don't want to do anything on him that makes me uncomfortable, so can I get away with just doing what I'm comfortable doing on him and will I be allowed to ride him if I do the emergency dismount? And is it wise to get on him from a picnic table and off the same way? I want to know. I only have one week to know, so hurry up and answer my question already. I'm excited, but I'm also scared and I want riding him to go well. Jessie L. Cohn.

[@ritacasey647]

do ground work with him, lunging at a walk,trot, backing up, etc. then ride him inside a ring until you feel you have control.

[@kendylbeasley5823]

I had to do this while I was running a pattern before I actually go compet she took off with me and I was coming to the fence and I was like here’s my chance before I go over the fence I kicked my stirrups off and I grab the fence pulled my self off and landed on my feet then I lost my balance and fell on my butt she stopped and I got back on

[@Poniesforeverr]

I had to do this in a gallop 😭

[@zillaje]

counterclockwise dismount?

[@amcv4287]

What type of bridle is that? Why is there no noseband? I just wanted to add that your horse is so beautiful! I'm horse mad but my parents aren't too keen on getting one.

[@eve_hessx5518]

it just a normal English bridle with the noseband removed, some horses don't like the noseband, and it isn't really necessary. xx

[@amcv4287]

Ok Thanks

[@uvvchaiming]

Aoife McVeigh my parents won't let me either

[@tianabishop1550]

Aoife McVeigh you could ask them to loan one? Thats what i do x

[@65andstillconnected]

Hi, I am an older rider with arthritis. I dismount by kicking my feet out of the stirrups, hanging onto the front and rear of the saddle, and sliding gently to the ground with my knees bent. It is difficult for me to raise my leg high enough to clear the horse's butt in a quick movement. If I dismount the way you show, I know I'll hurt my knees or not clear the horse's rear as easily as you did. For these reasons, I plan to always ride with a partner, and choose a horse that is known to be calm and steady. What else can you recommend for my particular condition?

[@cromana5574]

Try to dismount on a soft surface or a slight hill. Often the arena has a soft footing. It's softer in snow...just look around.

[@livzchattychannel9102]

What breed is the horse

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

When my horse is at full gallop how do i do emergency dismount without breaking my neck?

[@garywanner7860]

Practice flexing your horses head on the ground and in the saddle to prepare it for one reign stops. Then practice one reign stops often. They will shut down your horse safely and fast!