unhorses

Unhorses refers to the act of forcibly dislodging a rider from their mount, typically a horse. This can occur in various contexts, from equestrian sports and combat to accidental falls. In jousting, a primary objective was to unhorse an opponent, demonstrating skill and power. The force of impact from a lance could easily throw a rider from their saddle.

In historical warfare, particularly cavalry charges, the disruption and chaos of battle frequently led to riders being unhorsed. A direct blow, a panicked horse, or entanglement with obstacles could all result in a rider losing their seat. Modern equestrian disciplines, while generally focused on control and precision, still have instances where riders may be unhorsed, though this is often considered a failure of performance rather than a deliberate outcome.

Accidental unhorsing can happen due to a horse's sudden movement, such as bucking or stumbling, or rider error. The effectiveness of a saddle and riding technique can play a role in preventing or mitigating the risk of being unhorsed. In some rural or historical settings, the term might also be used more casually to describe a rider who has simply fallen off their horse for any reason.