Re: [RC] Prineville, Injured riders and horses - Karla Watson
Last I heard from talking to Dr. Foss was that
the horse went thru some barb wire and was pretty bloody when it came into camp.
He said they stitched him up and he'll be ok. No damage below the knees so
that muscle/soft tissue around his shoulders will heal fine. One rider went
to emergency and it was announced the next morning that she will be ok. She had
a punctured lung (or collapsed?) and a broken leg but otherwise was fine. The
other riders were just banged up and a bit mad but no other serious injuries.
Fortunately several of the horses were running up on the road next to the trail
that was wide and open. They arrived at camp fine and my friend Amber got hers
back and went to finish the ride. It could of been a LOT worse. The start is
always the hardest part and I'm always happy when I get thru that madness. I
must say though that the Prineville ride is not only the oldest ride in the NW,
its also one of the best rides. Great, challenging trail with amazing views,
super ride management, great completion awards and YUMMY homemade breakfast on
Sunday morning. Don't let this wreck story keep you away next year. It can
happen at any ride and this ride is always a great one to attend.
Has
anyone heard how the wrecked horses and riders are? I was in the back end of
the first 3rd or so of the 25 milers, so I only saw a few riders on foot and a
couple groups of pannicked horses running by. I know there was a punctured
lung, a barb wire victim, a concusion and other various injuries. I was just
in front of another rider that was spun off her horse in the fray of the horse
that had the saddle dragging under it's belly...a breast collar would have
prevented the whole thing from becoming that bad. Maybe it would be wise to
make it a mandatory piece of equipment like shoes on many of these courses?
They would have never made it with out one anyway,,, too steep & slick.
Next year I'm that course riding with my special mountain breaching( saw some
broken cruppers too). Anyway, I hope all the humans will be ok and my sincere
best regards for those of you with injured horses, hope they get well
soon!
PS John with the "little" guy TB from Seattle Slew,,, in Battle
Ground, where were you this week end? I'd have given your little guy and the
Mrs' horse, a lift to the Prineville ride! Hope you found a new
truck. Paula the Tractor Lady
