Every fall off a horse comes with a quick question: are you hurt or just scared? Ask yourself that a lot.

Fear and injury produce almost the same feeling in the first few seconds, and if you cannot tell them apart you will treat every scare like damage. One of them needs rest and maybe help. The other needs a breath and another attempt. Asking the question slows you down just long enough to answer it honestly.

The next time something knocks you sideways, say the question out loud before you decide anything. If you are hurt, say so and get it looked at. If you are only shaken, take a minute and then go again.