Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Spottedracer@xxxxxx wrote:

> Here's my most memorable 'bite the dirt' story (I've got tons, since I 
> was either a paid rider and/or trainer for many years...)
>
> I was riding my recently trained 4 1/2 year old app stud... He was my 
> barrel horse, so during a 'stallion review' exhibition at the 
> Volunteer horse fair... I decided that the mare owners would like to 
> see a LOT of action for his 3 minute review... Since he was an 'solid 
> white' app - I was wearing my native american costum (no helmet - 
> Didn't fit the costume. And this young stallion had ALWAYS been the 
> perfect horse!) and had recently purchased a copy of a calvary saddle. 
> I was an Indian riding a stolen calvary mount.....
>
> For the first two days (2 stallion reviews each day) - we wowed the 
> audience with breakneck turns, spins and sliding stops at his full 
> gallop. Cantering in sidepass, and I spun around and cantered while 
> riding backwards..... The final day, the final review.. I'm flying 
> into the turn, the professional photographers are waiting to snap the 
> perfect picture.... I feel the saddle 'slipping' - not worried, I grab 
> his mane knowing that I can balance the saddle with my seat (if need 
> be...)... Well, the saddle was literally splitting in half!!! It 
> dissolved underneith me!! I had a good hold of his thick, long mane - 
> and the G-forces of the speed and turn swung me to the outside... I 
> hung onto his neck - and ended up hanging under his neck..wrapping my 
> legs around his chest (so he wouldn't step on me.. with the solid wall 
> there - I had no where else to go!)
>
> Fortunantly, He stopped quickly... he wasn't sure what 'momma' was 
> asking of him - since I'd NEVER come off him.... The saddle was under 
> his belly - held on with my expensive beaded breastcollar.... Everyone 
> was in shock! they had all assumed I was doing a trick riding stunt, 
> until he stopped with the saddle under him!... My farrier happened to 
> be in the crowd - he jumped down into the arena - we cut the saddle 
> off .. And to try and save face (and make sure my young stud wasn't 
> traumatized) I got a leg up - and finished out the exhibition bareback..
>
> Later on, I was shaken, hurting terribly - and realized just how close 
> to death I had come!!!
> - LP

Okay LP, you win overall, plus 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
You sound fun to ride with!
Keith

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