Falling off is an inevitable part of riding horses, but learning how to fall is something very few riders are ever formally taught.
Drop and roll is Australian Baroque Riding Academy’s practical rider safety program, designed to give riders the skills, body awareness and confidence to respond more safely when a fall becomes unavoidable. Rather than simply telling riders to “hold on” or hoping instinct takes over, we introduce practical techniques that riders can practice in a safe, controlled environment before they ever need them.
Drop and roll uses a combination of groundwork, a barrel to simulate the position and movement of being on a horse, and a large air track mattress so riders can progressively practice falling, landing and rolling without needing to practice on a real horse.
Students learn how to protect vulnerable areas of the body, avoid instinctive responses that may increase the likelihood of injury, and use movement to dissipate some of the forces involved in a fall. Exercises are introduced progressively, allowing riders to build confidence at their own pace.
There is plenty of rolling, bouncing, laughing and trying again. The aim isn’t to make riders scared of falling- its exactly the opposite. By taking some of the mystery and fear out of what happens when we fall, riders can feel more prepared and confident in the saddle.
Drop and roll- because sometimes, we fall!
Drop and roll isn’t limited to riders at ABRA. We can bring the program to pony and riding clubs, equestrian centres and other riding organisations, providing a practical and engaging safety session for your members. We bring our own equipment including our air track mattress and barrel- based training setup, and adapt the session to suit the age, experience and confidence of the participating riders. Drop and roll can be incorporated into a club training day, rally, clinic, camp or dedicated rider safety session. It is suitable for a broad range of riders because the exercises can be progressively adapted rather than expecting everyone to perform the same activity.
Ultimately no matter how hard we try we can never guarantee that riders will never fall. The equestrian world will always involve an element of risk. However, we can give riders more tools for the moment when staying on is no longer an option.
Drop. Roll. Get up. Learn. Laugh. And ride again.
Please contact us to find out how we can help riders fall more safely today!!