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Re: [RC] Learning from Riding Accidents - Val Nicoson

On two different 25-mile LDs that I rode in last year
I recall coming off of my friend's horse.  Both times
were a result of not paying attention.

1. We had kept coming up on this rider on his gaited
horse periodically throughout the ride...but not too
often either.  We were along a tree-lined wide
single-track trail when the trail went to the left. 
As we came around the corner there was this same rider
again and my horse did a small shy to the right.  This
was well into the ride and by then the cinch had
gotten loose.  Fortunately we were already going slow.
Gradually the saddle slid to the left and I found
myself very close to the ground and just allowed
myself to drop.  Got back up, readjusted the saddle
and mounted back up.  Fortunately the horse I was on
remained quiet and stayed with us.

2.  On a different horse and we were within 2 miles of
the vet check at camp as we had passed a sign.  I
started relaxing, we came around a corner (again to
the left!) and this horse did a hard shy and spun
around and bumped into the horse/rider that we were
riding with at the time.  I didn't get a chance to
realize what happened until I was in midair.  Landed
hard on my left hip and then on my back.  Fortunately
the horse stayed with us and was easy to catch.  After
limping a little bit I was able to remount.

Lesson learned--If I'm anywhere near RideCamp and/or
the vet check, I think my hand will remain near or on
the saddle horn or pommel for hornless saddle for
those last-minute unexpected moves.  And it seems
those 2-mile markers have it in for me ;-)

And let's not forget, by then we are no longer fresh
in the saddle anymore either...yes, I'm a newbie and
not young enough to bounce anymore.



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