It had to happen sometime, and this weekend was it. Echo spooked left, I went right, and over his shoulder I flew. I landed on my butt, then something smacked me on the back of my head. I'm not sure if it was Echo's foot or the ground - Fuzzypony was there but didn't see the fall. I hung on the the reins for dear life (we were a mile from home), but after being dragged 20 feet, I let go. Fortunately, Echo stopped next to Taran, and we managed to catch him, no harm done. Unless you count the impressive case of road rash on my lower back. Owie.
Adopted Horse Mom never, EVER let me get on a horse without a helmet or gloves. I actually feel naked without them. Of course if you're on a green horse, you're pretty likely to wear a helmet. Whatever I hit my head on, I hit it HARD. Like replace-my-brand-new-helmet hard. I was lucky and walked away with a mild headache. I didn't lose consciousness, wasn't nauseous, or anything like that. If I hadn't been wearing that helmet, I am quite sure I would not have walked away from that fall.
But you know what, my falling off was not Echo's fault. He spooked sideways at he goats at the end of the arena. And frankly, it was the sort of spook I should have been able to sit. Besides, he had just bravely walked past a couple of mountain bikers on the trail without batting an eyelash. You just never, ever know.
Wear your helmets, y'all. Every ride, every time. Just do it.
Glad you did walk away and especially with your brain entact. I second that! Wear your helmet people!
ReplyDeleteYep, just wear it!
DeleteSo glad you weren't hurt badly!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I was really lucky.
DeleteGlad you were okay!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteGlad you are OK and agree whole-heartedly about the helmet endorsement. you wouldn't believe how few people at my yard wear helmets - it's shameful :(
ReplyDeleteGiven how many pros endorse helmets, and how well they fit these days, it never fails to amaze me how many people still don't wear them!
DeleteAmen! I am happy to hear that you were able to walk away from that one.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteHow eerie! I just had a riding lesson last week and I also wasn't able to sit on my mount when she spooked to the left! We were doing a Quadrille pattern and there's a part where you and your partner thread through another pair of horses. As we were going through, one of the other rider's long crop touched her (scary, right?) and she lept forward and to the left and I pretty much slipped off like water over a rock. I ended up landing on my feet! However, as impressed as I was with myself, I ended up getting a pretty badly sprained ankle. I didn't know it at the time and finished the lesson, but man, a couple of hours later it was swollen and hurting! Glad you were okay on your fall! I can count how many times a helmet saved me and I'm glad for every one of them!
ReplyDeleteWow, there must be something in the air! I'm glad you were ok, minus the sprained ankle. I hope it heals up quickly and that you can ride again soon!
DeleteEvery time, every ride... Glad you are okay!
ReplyDeleteCFS, absolutely!
DeleteThank goodness you are okay. Helmets are definitely a must!
ReplyDeleteThanks Val!
DeleteSo happy you had on your helmet and are ok! My daughter and I are the every ride every time helmet wearers - I have not fallen yet (notice the yet!) but daughter has come off quite a few. I know that helmet has saved her from serious injury several times.
ReplyDeleteKelly, good for you and your daughter! I'm glad the helmet has helped keep her safe.
DeleteI'm glad you're okay! Even the super broke horses can trip and fall, so you just never know! Better to be safe!
ReplyDeleteThis is a dangerous sport we participate in - might as well play it as safe as we can!
DeleteAye I got chills reading this and am so glad that you are ok and were wearing a helmet. I am 100% with you on that!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry it happened, but I'm glad you were wearing your helmet. If it happens again, let go of the reins. I've heard you can break a clavicle that way. From my doctor. After I broke my clavicle.
ReplyDeleteIt must be something about eventing and foxhunting, but I NEVER let go of the reins if I can help it. We were in the grass arena when it happened, over a mile from the house, and I had visions of Echo galloping home and killing himself on the way. Fortunately once I let go, he trotted over to join Taran, but still. So yes, I appreciate the warning about holding onto the reins, but at this point it's too much of an ingrained habit!
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