Put me off…?

[shiokee]

I am a new rider, about a year experience…. I met a new friend Amanda last Friday, is a very young pretty girl that sitting in a wheel chair, and we start to chat about life experience, I learn that she had a horse riding accident 14 years ago on a show jump (5 foot height fences), horse’s leg tracked in a rabbit hole, then horse fall on her injured her spine col and lost the ability to walk, since then she is in and out hospital, I can feel that she is very much in pain. But the very last word that she gave me is “I believe I can still be on the horse again”.

Suddenly, it hits me, “once a rider always a rider…..”, I was planning to achieve BHS exams and hopefully one day I can teach, but I have to be quite honest that it did put me off a little… i am not sure what i wanted to do and i know that i can’t stop riding now….. :(

[horsemad]

That is an awful thing to have happened to your friend. And certainly if you stop and think about all the things that could go wrong when you ride, you would put yourself off completely - there is no getting away from the fact that it is a risky pursuit. But then again so is driving a car, and lots of other everyday things that we don't usually think about....

I think the best you can do is try to minimise the risk as much as possible, but don't let the fear of 'what if' stop you from doing what you enjoy.

And as you say, once its in the blood, its not easy to give it up, dangerous or not!

[Trewsers]

Echo what Horsemad said, there are lots of risks we take daily and don't think twice about! It is scary when you hear things like that, but really, you can't live your life with what if's etc and buts,,, its for living - and like you say, once riding is in your blood it will be forever... :D Take it as it comes and don't analyse and think too deeply (if I did at my age I'd never have bought our horses :p )

[ponytude]

Thats really sad about your friend. That sounds like a terrible accident to be a victim of. As you said "Once a rider, always a rider". You just have to ride carefully and make sure you ride smartly in prevention of an accident. As long as you do you part that's really all you can do :) .

[horse_em]

Hi,
It was sad to hear your story ( although I dont know if sad is the right word). I know your friend can fulfill her future dreams and remain to be as independent as she can be. As an occupational therapist - which Im sure your friend has one she will be learning everday to adapt to things and is teaching us with her courage and wisdom to pursue an interest.

I recently injured my back in a riding accident - lucky I only pulled muscles but have been off work for three weeks. When I fell I also felt some of the fear that you thought however, with my determination I eventually managed to get to my feet and back on the horse I fell off. I new to all this horsey stuff and I am aware of the risk.

Spinal injuries can happen in everyday activities and all I can say "as long as your sensible, aware of the danagers and wear appropriate safety gear you should continue your life ambition". However, if the fear is greater than you are willing to make then its a choice you can only make!

I do hope you continue to ride and I know its frightening to hear about these accidents..

best wishes

[shirley]

Please do not be put off doing something you feel you want to acheive. The thing about the BHS is that the way they do things is basically to reduce the risks of riding / handling horses and ensure that a degree of safety is undertaking when riding / handling. I think this is so mis understood about the organisation. I know they seem 'snobby' in some approaches i.e. correct riding gear, but if you look at it basically it is about being as safe as possible.
Accidents happen - sadly - and have the effect it has done on your friend. But understanding the potential hazards will only make you are safer / perhaps a more cautious rider, and that is good.
As for your friend has she seen the Parelli shows at some of the bigger horse events? There is someone there - she is belguim lady - who has two fresians and she has used Parelli to a high standard and she gets around in an electric chair!!! When I saw this it blew me out of the water - being older than most on this sight - that if I ever get to point where I cannot ride - that there is so much more I can learn and aim for even from the ground and in an electric wheel chair.
Good luck to you and your friend.

[devon lass]

I agree with horse-em when she said that sad is probably not the wright word to use about the situation but i actually see it as inspirational.


To become disabled and still want to ride is great and if it happened to me i personally would do exactly the same as your friend amanda.


Although it has not happened to me i can sort of relate to her. a few years ago i was at a swimming pool and got out to collect my drink that was on the side of the pool, after a had had a drink i turned round and took a step back so i could jump back in but what i did not realise was that the lid of the swimming pool filter was off and i stepped into a 1&1/2 foot deep hole, i thought i had just grazed knee so dived into the pool . My friends were horrifeid at the 4" hole in my leg (something i found very funny at the time as i was in shock and laughting my head off) and could see the bone.
I am now a member of a synchronised swimming club and recentley one the synchro uk deut competition.

what i'm trying to say is that all sports have there risks, some more obvious than others but don't let them put you off your dreams. Life too short.

Also just think would you be in the position you would be in if you thought critically and did a risk assessment of everything you were going to do in your life, there would be no time to live!

hope this helps
just follow your dream

[Wally]

Ask Ambatt how she had her worst accident, I think it was at a slow walk! If you go through life being scared of what might happen you are going to miss out on a great many things. Okay take reasonable precautions and don't take silly risks.

Get out there and enjoy yourself, take each day as it comes but don't dwell on what might happen.

If you look on the www.enlightenedequitation.co.uk you will see a thread in the general section with photos of a paraplegic lass show jumping, no use from the waist down, she is an inspiration to us all. I'm not sure what caused her paralysis, but she won't let it get in her way!

[Wally]

sory, here's a proper link :o :o http://www.enlightenedequitation.com/members/forums/index.php?showtopic=2726