I hope it never happens to me, but now I would have an idea what to do, if I can remember at the time.
Years ago, one of my horses reared on me. I leaned forward and managed to smash my face into her upcoming head. Very painful, but it seemed to have startled her and she never reared again. I have another horse that likes to do "pop ups" - (feels like the start of a rear) so I carried an empty paper towel roll in my hand for a bit and popped him between the ears everytime he attempted to go up. He didn't like the sound and it didn't hurt him and he quit his little trick.
Be sure to see your equine dentist annually for sharp points. It would have saved me six months of painful recovery when I purchased a new horse that came over backwards on top of me due to pain caused by the bit. Fortunately I'm okay although I'll always have an indentation in my thigh where the muscle was affected.
Great article, it's very important to know how to ride out a rear. I would want to check for back problems, pinching tack, ill-fitting saddle, and other pain-related reasons for rearing. Teeth are also a place to check. I wouldn't just assume that the horse is acting up--check for physical or training issues. When it comes to breaking bottles over a horse's head--just give the poor horse a break. Try to solve it from the ground. Remember: it's never the horse's fault.
I went through this many times with my mare. She only dumped me once when she learned to add a little twist at the end. Now I know that as soon as she starts to even think about not going forward I put her in a tight circle to take away her shoulder. She has finally stopped rearing but I'm always watchful to make sure it doesn't start again.
My young POA mare started rearing a few years back. I stopped riding her out of fear for our safety. I had ruled out all causes for it. It wasn't her teeth, the bit, saddle fit, my riding, or anything else. Then, I realized she was bored. I took her out to the arena and went on an involved trail ride with another horse. When she actually had scenery to look at and had to think about where to go and dodge trees and climb hills, she went from grumpy and rearing to happy and eager. If all else fails, give your horse a different job.
The key of helping a horse through his or her rearing habit, is to use your brain! some times the weirdest things causes these habits.But never ever hurt or punish a horse for doing what there instinct tells them to do! to many times at shows i see people hurting there horses! thats bad horsemanship!! that is only going to make it worse! Also try to be understanding! horses will love it! Think like a trainer and use nice training options! Not whiping a horse between the ears to make him fear rearing! Be understanding and help your horse! Nicely! please.
I didnt see anybody even suggesting "whipping" a horse on top of the head or breaking bottles on their heads to stop them from rearing. A paper towel tube is thin cardboard. I have bopped my kids with a paper towel tube. It makes a noise is all. I rode an Appaloosa named Hotshot who had been taught to rear under saddle like the lone Ranger's Silver. When he was sold and wound up as rental horse, he did it to intimidate riders. He tried with me-once. I smacked him good on his neck and said NO in a loud deep voice and turned him in a circle. he never did it again.