The family doesn't know exactly what happened, but she had been out to do groundwork with her horse. We'll never know what happened, but this is more than enough to remind that horses are powerful, potentially dangerous animals. Even the horses we hold dear can inadvertently cause harm.
A 1,200-pound animal is more than a match for a human, which is why everyone who rides horses should be respected for that ability. To be able to work with a horse, whether in the saddle, in a cart or on the ground, is a gift and a blessing, but clearly it can be hazardous.
Do we, as riders, take the time to remember that these animals can kill us when we saddle up? I doubt it, because I rarely think about it. When I saddle Lena, I'm thinking about what we might do today: Do we do some arena work, and practice maneuvers and collection? Or do we ride out just for fun in the pasture, just to enjoy ourselves?
It rarely occurs to me to that Lena, as well as I know her, could hurt me. Perhaps the thought sits comfortably in my subconscious, hidden by my confidence in her and in my riding abilities. When I think about it, there are numerous times I could've been hurt by her.
I've had Lena on a longe line a number of times when she's been too hyperactive or worked up to wait until she's away from me to start bucking—I've come awfully close to having a hoof strike me. She's reared a few times on the line, another moment I could've been struck. She's had a few big spooks—the enormous German Shepherd down the road likes to come off his property to bark at her, and there's an occasional spook for no good reason.
She's also the type of horse that liked to try a crow hop or two when we lope, although that tendency has dimmed with age (thank God!). I'm sure I could think of a few other times Lena has posed a potential hazard for me. The photo below shows Lena getting her energy out on the longe line—and let me tell you, she bucks like a rodeo bronc when she feels good, and gets in a good jump or two when the border collie (Rascal) gets too close.
So I'm incredibly thankful at this moment that I've never been seriously injured by my horse, or any horse I've ridden.
I met Trudy Shaw on the 2009 Chief Joseph Trail Ride, a week-long trail ride sponsored by the Appaloosa Horse Club. I had the privilege of attending when I wrote for Appaloosa Journal, and Trudy was kind enough to let me ride her horse on the first day of the ride.
It was such a fabulous experience, I'm forever grateful for her for allowing me the pleasure. It's interesting to realize that even that horse could've hurt me. Many horses are extremely excited on the first day of the ride, and Trudy's horse was no different. (I'm a little ashamed I don't remember the horse's name, only that he was a certifiable Appaloosa.) As I rode out with the group and Trudy's daughter-in-law Bethany, the horse gave me a bit of trouble, trying to crow hop and generally express his excitement at being surrounded by so many horses in motion.
It wasn't a big deal for me, he was easy enough to contain. But there was at least one rider that parted unceremoniously with his saddle that morning. I'm more thankful now that I was unhurt on that ride than I ever was during the course of it!
In light of the loss of Trudy, I intend to acknowledge the mighty power of my equine companions when I ride, to always respect them and remember that the time I get to spend with them is something to be treasured and something to do carefully.
Next time you ride, I hope you'll take a moment to reflect on the power of the animal you're interacting with, and above all, be as safe as you can!
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