Following my little bareback ride on Rally, I decided to step it up and try getting on her saddled.
I did the prep work; longeing, bitting her up and longeing, asking her to give to the bit as I walked beside her, etc. She was willing and all seemed to be going well enough for me to get on.
I had Ted with me to make sure all went well. She parked nicely at the mounting block for me, so I climbed on.
All went well.... until it didn't.
I made the mistake of not doing enough to test her limits of tolerance. In retrospect, I should have stepped on and off her several times, as well as prepping her previously by attaching things to the saddle - such as things with weight, things that flap, etc. to get her used to strange things and see what she tolerated and what needed working on. I assumed that since she was so good with things like the tarp and ropes, that there would be no issues. Mia Culpa.
With Ted side walking, I asked her to move out, which she did. However, within about 20 ft. she tensed up and went to bucking. I am no bronc rider, and I hit the ground hard, twisting my knee on the way down.
She stopped on the opposite side of the pen, staring at me on the ground with big eyes. Since I was in no shape to get back on her, I opted to bit her up again and work her around the pen. both ways, until she softened up and paid attention to me. And no, not a single buck did she offer. She actually has never bucked before that moment, so it really caught me by surprise.
I will continue to work her saddled, once my knee is sound again. But erring on the side of caution, I probably won't be the one to get on her next time. I don't blame Rally, I blame myself for skipping a step in preparation for riding.
12 comments:
I’m so sorry. That actually really surprises me. You have done so much in your prep. I do think having someone else do the first rides is a good choice though. You need to stay safe. You were wise to work with her afterward. It sounds like something about it scared her. Or, maybe she’s really good at hiding her anxiety and then it explodes. I made that mistake with Beautiful Girl. She is super brave, or seemingly so, with almost everything, but she is a horse who is really good at hiding her emotions. Maybe Rally is also good at that.
Oh no! Sorry you came off Rally. It happens so quickly. Good job getting her tuned back into you. She is such a sweet girl and clearly wants to please you. I wonder what set her off. Hope your knee feels better sooner than later.
Oh no so unexpected. Hope your knee heals fast. Guess she will have to cart around flapping things and sandbags for awhile:(
Ouch! I’m glad you are okay. Sometimes these things happen.
Ah, dang, hope your knee feels better soon. It can be so hard to predict how they'll react, especially when they've given no indication that they'd buck in previous circumstances. Take care, and I'm sure you and Rally will get there together!
wishing you a speedy recovery!
going thru the same. broken arm here from a bike though, but i literallz cannot do anzthing with the horse. he just snorts at my cast every morning and my poor husband has to do all of the work. for sicknes and in health, sigh.
Sorry to hear that Lytha, a broken arm is worse than a sprained knee! I once broke my wrist and even getting dressed was a struggle, let alone doing anything with the horses.
Ouch, I can certainly sympathize with getting bucked off. Getting on and off multiple times doesn't always work either. You can't second guess yourself. You did what you thought was right at the time. You just can't always predict how the horse is going to react. Hope you heal up soon. I would be all for someone else getting on next.
Oh dear... :-/
Dang it, I hate it when that happens! I'm glad you were able to come out of it with only a sprained knee and that she was able to mentally come back to you.
So sorry to read that you were injured. One of my nightmares is getting hurt like that, although it wouldn't be getting bucked off a horse for me. I hope you heal rapidly and well. Take care
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