unhorse

Unhorse is a verb that describes the action of causing a rider to fall from the back of a horse. This can happen accidentally due to a horse's sudden movement, such as bucking or stumbling, or it can be intentionally caused by an opponent in combat or sport. In a military context, unhorsing an enemy rider was a significant tactic as it often rendered them vulnerable and dismounted. In equestrian sports, such as jousting or polo, being unhorsed is usually a penalty or a sign of losing the contest. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe being overthrown or removed from a position of power or advantage.