Introduction

The  image sequences in this section demonstrate a variety of falls on cross-country courses. The purpose of this section is to prompt the viewer to think about fall training and protective equipment.

Not all falls can be practiced but the advantage of training is to make some behaviour second nature - crucial when there is only a split second to react.

There is a tendency to hold on to the reins when falling. Some of these sequences demonstrate potentially dangerous consequences for the rider.

Injuries can result from the impact of the fall and subsequent contact with the horse's hooves.

The MEA is grateful to Harry McMillan for allowing use of many images collected during his career of photographing equestrian events. Harry assures us that, happily, none of the riders or horses in his images were seriously injured.

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Gallery of Falls