09/11/07 Impromptu dismounts

Being a rodeo pick-up man I have seen my share of impromptu dismounts, some sure aren't pretty but I have learned from the pros that falling off correctly is an acquired skill. I'm Jeff Keane and I'll be back in a minute to dive little deeper into a subject most of us work hard to avoid. Bronc riders have elevated falling off to an art, they do what they can to minimize injuries, and there is no reason we can't steal some of their tactics, Here Becky with tips to help you improve the ugly landing As Jeff mentioned, spontaneous dismounts do happen. Thankfully there are precautions and techniques that riders can use to minimize their chance of getting hurt. Olympic Eventers Karen and David O'Connor teach a basic tumbling tuck and roll, urging their students to keep limbs close to the body, because it's typically the arms and legs that end up breaking a fall. A cowboy will do basically the same thing, making sure to kick free of stirrups and roll like a porcupine. Becky I wish I remembered to be a porcupine last time I was airborne, instead I felt like I had landed on one. Well Jeff, another thing to think about while dismounting, and there are at least two schools of thought. Now the O'Connors advocate releasing them citing that holding on is a good way to dislocate your shoulder and damage your horses mouth. But, other top horsemen disagree especially when riding out on the range, if you loose your horse you could have a long, sore walk home. Becky no matter how much you practice falling off, there is just something totally embarrassing about parting with your saddle when it's not your idea. I'm Jeff Keane