12.12.07
If you ride horses, you fall off sooner or later!
Well, for the first time in 4 years, I fell off my horse last night at my lesson.
Ice and snow slid off the roof (it sounded like the end of the world!). I knew
what was happening because it’s happened before, but I never had any
problems with whatever horse I happened to be on. Cutie, the QH mare I was
riding, had just stepped up into a lope when it happened, and she spooked
big time.
I tried to save myself but there wasn’t enough time and off I went
and hit my back, then my shoulders and the back of my head,
which snapped back and hit HARD (another perfect example of
why everyone should always wear a helmet) and I somehow bit down
hard on my tongue too.
I remember thinking as I was lying there, “PLEASE, let there be somebody
else on the ground besides me”… but nobody else’s horse spooked–
just Cutie! Everyone else was PERFECTLY still, just standing
there watching. I also remember thinking on the way down (it’s
amazing how many thoughts you can cram into a few seconds!)
“Ok, this is sand, it won’t be a hard fall”… but it was.
But, I’m none the worse for it. Just sore today… thru my shoulders,
neck, lower back and, of all things, my tongue! My pride got the
worst injury. I was SO embarrassed!! After all the riding I’ve done,
you’d think I could stay on. Especially, since I heard the snow
and ice start to slide off the roof and I knew Cutie might spook.
I’ve even read so many articles on “What to do if your horse
spooks”. But, I couldn’t do anything but come off. It’s not something
you can practice!!
Anyways, Kerry had me settle down for a few minutes before I got
back on. She also had me take some deep exhales a couple of times
while at the walk. That settled me and sent the message to Cutie that I was
calm. Then Kerry put me right back into a jog and then a lope. She
(Kerry) was so great. You could see her professionalism and knowledge and
experience shine though. She’s really the absolute best at what she does
and I admire her so much.
The rest of the lesson was great and we did some awesome loping. You
know when you are perfectly balanced at the lope because it is such an
awesome ride… and what a rush!! This was also the very first time I’d
ever ridden Cutie. It was actually the very first time I’ve ever ridden a
mare at Kerry’s AND, I can’t believe it, but I’ve never ridden a gelding
outside of Kerry’s!! I didn’t realize that until last night.
Anyways, even though you are in a secure setting like a lesson,
anything can happen because horses are horses no matter
what the setting or how well they’re trained. I’m looking forward
to next week and I hope I get to ride Cutie. Another note about Cutie–
Kerry told me you are merely a passenger when you ride her. NO leg pressure
at all because she’ll take off like a rocket. All you do is tell her what
you want, and she does it. That was so amazing… just say lope (or jog or
walk), kiss, and off she goes! (Note: You should have seen the car outside
that was the recipient of all that snow and ice!! Fortunately, the car
wasn’t damaged).
Connie’s NOTE: HorseGal is lucky, but it happens to all of us. Horses are NOT push-button machines. I suppose there are ways to practice falling, how to hit the ground etc. I’ve heard thing like going limp, balling up, hit and roll, don’t try to break your fall with your arms… The best you can do is try to be empathic with the horse, and hope you can feel what he is feeling reflected in his body just quickly enough to react appropriately. And stay focused on them constantly, learn to recognize minute signs of tension or concern, watch their ears… every little nuance. It really is impossible!
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