I went riding today and was riding a lovely 14hh Haflinger pony when she spooked and cantered off with her head down. Luckily, i managed to stay on, but i could have been thrown over the arena fence if i had not hung on tight!
I do not hate the pony, on the contrary, i love her and have ridden her before many times. I am posting this to state how annoyed i get when i tell people that i ride for a sport and they portray it as a dainty, easy little thing. I love riding with all my heart, but it is dangerous. People can die from falling off a horse. I want people who don't ride to know that riders have to have a lot of guts to get back on a horse that has just bucked them off (don't get me wrong, i really do love horses, i don't see them as mean machines, most love to be ridden!).
For other riders, what has been your worst experience on horseback?I am asking so that i can print the posts off and use them as evidence to any person who disrespects horse riding. My worst experience was when i was riding an arab and she spooked and i was thrown over her head and went headfirst into the wall. I was luckilly alright due to reacting quickly and putting my arms over my head before i hit the wall( i did have a helmet on, but the impact could have damaged my skull or spine).I was lucky that i didn't break anything.

Since when has any footballer done that?