Had my first fall this week …

[Gremlinsateit]

… nothing is broken, horse was apologetic, and now I feel like a girl in a Joanna Cannan book proudly announcing “oh yes, I’ve fallen off 27 times” 😁

Good to get it over and done with 😉. With riding it’s not a question of if but when so for you both to be none the worse afterwards is a good thing!

Horse was apologetic? How can you tell?! Glad you're ok!

I've never had a horse look apologetic after a fall - more like disdainful!

Oh he was truly sorry. After he had got over his fright from the scary monster in that part of the paddock - still not sure what it was! - he woffled at my face very kindly and let me get back on.

Well done for getting straight back on. Do you wear a body protector and an in-date skull cap? Gloves? Stirrups which are designed to avoid trapping your feet in them?
There's lots of safety goodies around now, which certainly weren't when I was little. Might as well use them.
Good luck. Oh, and I always have a little finger under a strap from each D ring on the pommel. I ride a sharp horse with a twisted sense of humour and a liking for zoomies! He's been up-to-date with regular vet/farrier/equine dentist appointments, before anyone queries his behaviour. He's an Arabian. He's always done it.

Yes, everything except the body protector, which I didn’t think I’d need given I’m not jumping. But will be shopping for one now!

@Gremlinsateit Very sensible decision re body protector. Expensive but definitely worth it. 👏