If you didn't gather from the title, I got to find out just how far down it is today. Yup I fell off of Steady for the first time today. And for the first time in probably 15 years. I am grateful I did not get hurt any worse than I did. I landed on my knees, mostly my left knee. I didn't feel too much pain at first and I just got right back on, of course. But after I finished it did start to throb so I think adreniline played a part in keeping the pain away until we finished our ride.
How it happened, I was paying way too much attention to my position, well and his position than on staying on. So when a big scary monster jumped from the bushes and he jumped out of his skin about 6 feet to the right I kinda stayed where we were. My saddle was loose also which played a huge part in not being able to get my balance. (not sure why I didn't have my girth tightened, duh) It was all a bit slow motion. I felt myself going and pulled my right foot out of my stirrup and stood on my left. I started to eject myself and was suspended in mid-air left foot in my stirrup and right hand hanging on to the reins. If someone were watching I am sure it would have been a sight to see. Then I made the last jump, pulled out my left foot and tried to hang onto the reins. Since I have never fallen off of him before I didn't know what his reaction would be. Also he was startled. I didn't want him bolting. Well the reins snapped and he got loose. I stood up and he back about 10 feet then slowly walked right back to me. How could I be mad at him? He clearly was not trying to be mean he just had a moment of air headedness. BTW the big scary monster was our little kitten. He doesn't usually spook that way he usually startles in place and freezes for a second.
I got back on and we continued our trot work and he did fine. It was not nearly as impressive as how collected he got in our lesson last week(I need to post about that wonderful lesson) but he did good. He has also had an entire week off so he was a little more energetic than normal. Who am I kidding he is always energetic. I am learning to channal that wonderful energy. When I do he shows moments of a gorgeous dressage horse that he has the potential to be. Maybe I am just a bit biased but the potential in this horse seems to be limitless. I am pretty much the one setting the limits right now but soon we will grow and learn together and I pray and hope to become a competetive pair. But I am happy as can be as long as we are making progress.
Not your average OTTB given another chance at a new life and a mostly average busy Mom who never gave up on her dream to ride again. An unlikely pair at an unlikely time, learning to event and loving life!
Don't you hate when you fall off for a dumb reason? When I fall I want it to be some absolute rodeo bronc moment, but no, it's usually over a spook or a loose saddle. Very glad you didn't get hurt, and what a good boy for not running off!
ReplyDeleteSideways spooks are the hardest to ride, I think. Anyone can fall off anytime - don't worry about it, he probably doesn't. Hope you don't hurt too much!
ReplyDeleteYea, 17 hh is a long way down! What a big boy, which equals BIG spooks when they come. Good for you for getting back on and continuing. :)
ReplyDeleteJust a minor unplanned dismount. :-) It happens to the best of us. Glad nobody was hurt. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks guys! I am feeling good 3 days out. My knee is bruised but no real damage. I was feeling it in my lower back and neck for the first couple days but a couple good massages helped. Our ride was great yesterday and you better believe my saddle was tight and I was paying attention :)
ReplyDeleteOwie! I'm glad you are okay and your knee wasn't hurt worse. When you get comfortable on a horse it is easy to forget to pay attention to him and your surroundings. I guess we have to be reminded occasionally. :)
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