There's a saying that has echoed through the equestrian world for centuries: "When you climb into the saddle, you enter a world of adventure, challenge, and reward." And while horseback riding is an exhilarating and often therapeutic experience, it also comes with its fair share of risks and potential injuries. Accidents can happen, and knowing how to respond effectively in an emergency situation can make all the difference in the world. That's why we at How to Own a Horse are here to help equip you with the knowledge you need to keep you and your fellow riders safe. In this guide, we will be diving into one particular rescue skill every rider should have in their repertoire – carrying an injured person on horseback.
Carrying An Injured Person On Horseback Table of Contents
Before proceeding with this lifesaving technique, it's crucial to assess the injured individual to ensure that moving them won't exacerbate their injuries. Whenever possible, it's always better to have professional medical personnel on site to provide the necessary care, but in certain situations, like when you're out on a trail ride far from accessible roads, transporting the injured person on horseback may be the only option.
1. Choose the Right Horse
Selecting a suitable horse for this crucial task is essential. You'll want a calm, steady, and strong horse that can comfortably and safely carry the additional weight. It's also vital that the horse is accustomed to being handled and ridden by different people, as it may need to tolerate the unfamiliar movements and sounds of an injured rider.
2. Use an Emergency Dismount Technique
With an injured person, getting them onto the horse can be challenging. In this scenario, the emergency dismount technique is your best bet. Stand on the injured person's left side and ask them to lean on you, using their left hand to grab your right shoulder for support. Next, ask your left-handed rider to place their right foot in your cupped hands. Help the rider swing their left leg over the horse's rump while you support their weight, then carefully position them in the saddle.
3. Double Check the Saddle and Tack
Before moving, make sure the saddle and tack are secure. If necessary, adjust stirrup lengths to accommodate the injured person's injuries and ensure their comfort during transit. Confirm that all gear is appropriately fastened to reduce the risk of accidents or discomfort along the way.
4. Maintaining Stability and Balance
Having an injured person on horseback requires extra caution to maintain stability and balance. A second rider, acting as a support rider, should walk alongside the horse on the injured person's stronger side. This support rider can help steady the injured person, hold onto the horse's mane, or even hold the reins if the injured rider is unable to do so. Proceed slowly and avoid sudden movements or sharp turns that could cause further injuries or unbalance the horse.
Carrying An Injured Person On Horseback Example
Imagine you're on a trail ride with a group of friends, and one of them takes a nasty fall landing hard on their shoulder. After assessing the situation, it becomes apparent that they are unable to walk back to the stable due to the pain in their shoulder. In this instance, transporting them on horseback could be the safest and quickest way to get them back for professional medical care. By choosing a calm, sturdy horse and utilizing the emergency dismount technique to get them on horseback, you make a scary situation much more manageable and potentially save your friend from further injury.
Knowing how to carry an injured person on horseback is a skill every responsible horse rider should have under their belt. In moments when every second counts, your knowledge and preparation can make a world of difference in the outcome of an emergency situation. Please share this important guide with fellow riders and explore other crucial guides on How to Own a Horse to continue expanding your horizons in the equestrian world – because when it comes to safety and preparedness, knowledge is power.
