I’ve been told that as you put on more miles even the most mild mannered horses will spook and you’re going to fall off. I have to admit in the miles that I have done on my most recent horses were relatively fall free. Needless to say it has been a few years since I have taken a dumper.

Yep, as all things with horses, it isn’t a matter of “if” but a matter of “when” your next fall is coming. Mine has arrived. I wonder if it might have been better if I had been bucked off? I know how to duck, tuck, and roll with those, so much better.

The Spook

What I received was a gigantic spook as we were trotting. From out of absolutely no where a “horse-eating” bench sat quietly as we passed. Gracie caught the stationary bench out of the corner of her eye. Now all I remember was hitting the ground. I was told by my two companions behind me that she jumped sideways, I did not.

I apparently hung in the air for a spit-second before unceremoniously hitting the ground on my side. My reins gripped tightly in my hand as the fall was so short that I didn’t have time to let go. Not that it mattered, the reins broke at the slobber straps and Gracie was free.

My two friends were behind me, one grabbed Gracie up while the other made a quick assessment of my faculties asking me questions. I laid there a minute and contemplated life. Since it didn’t even have time to flash before my eyes.

We’re All Good…

No, I was not severely injured. Yes, Gracie is no worse for wear, I can’t say as much about the slobber straps though. Yes, I got up, took control of my horse. I walked over to the trailer to get the spare set of reins, so I could get back on. Walked over to the mounting block, she stood like stone for me. Got back on, we did a lap around the parking lot.

Now that I am home, adrenaline all wore off, ice packs wrapped around by my lower back and obliques, I am wondering if my chiropractor will be able to see me right away in the morning. No, I am not deterred by this. Falling is part of riding, I just wish that it had been on the sand trail rather than the gravel parking lot!

More Miles to Go!

Wear a helmet. I used to not wear one much at all on my mild mannered horses. Gracie is new to me and is pretty spunky and agile horse. I get bolder as I put on more safety gear, which is a good thing and sometimes the results are less than ideal. To be honest, I wouldn’t change a thing.