> When I dismount I first remove both feet from the stirrups, swing my > leg over and jump down away from sliding down the horses side. I > think they call that an emergency dismount, not sure.
Every riding teacher I've had has taught that dismount. I have been told you never dismount with foot in the stirrup in case the horse moves off. I find it hard to jump down away and at times have caught the uderside of my back protector on the pommel so I stayed swinging there. I now unzip it first. My Corrie knows that feet out of stirrups means stand still until I have dismounted or cross stirrups to do work without them. I was once tought an emergency dismount which involved taking the outside stirrup over as I dismount. Since I never used it I can't remember why. Oh, could it be so it doesn't hit the horse on the side causing him to knock me over. Sue UK
