spottytom
Active Member
Back in February last year I bought myself an elderly thoroughbred gelding to hack about on and maybe progress to some low level dressage. However it soon became apparent I had seriously over estimated my abilities at the age of 63 and I took a nasty fall in the school ending up in A&E with broken ribs. The seller took him back at a greatly reduced price and I re-evaluated what I was looking for.
Fast forward to August last year and I bought a 4 year old 14.1hh chestnut coblet, over from Ireland. He was (and is) almost Mr Perfect. Obviously there is work to be done, but he suits my requirements. I am still absolutely terrified of going into the school therefore just hack out and about, both with friends and on my own.
Unfortunately earlier this year, whilst cantering across a field, with a friend riding in front of me, I found myself on the floor. I was so badly concussed I couldn’t tell you what happened. I didn’t know where I was or even the name of my pony. As I couldn’t remember anything I wasn’t too upset. I was, and am, convinced he didn’t buck as he has never shown any inclination to do so. I was back riding him within a couple of weeks.
Again fast forward to three weeks ago and I was simply walking behind a friend on her horse, along a hedge line at the edge of a field, when a pheasant flew right out in front of me. My pony did a very sharp shy to the left (almost a spin) and I hit the deck. Just bruising this time, but it scared me to death and I haven’t got on him since. I am now convinced this is what happened the first time. OK, so I am using the excuse at present that I am too bruised to get back on, but deep down I know I am going to find excuses for a long while. Pony is currently happy munching grass thinking he is in early retirement.
I would really welcome any advice. I am a little convinced that now I am 64 I should perhaps find a more sedate hobby. As one gets older do you lose the ability to stay with a shy or sudden movement? Prior to this I should say that I hadn’t fallen off for over 10 years! Apologies for the ramble.
Fast forward to August last year and I bought a 4 year old 14.1hh chestnut coblet, over from Ireland. He was (and is) almost Mr Perfect. Obviously there is work to be done, but he suits my requirements. I am still absolutely terrified of going into the school therefore just hack out and about, both with friends and on my own.
Unfortunately earlier this year, whilst cantering across a field, with a friend riding in front of me, I found myself on the floor. I was so badly concussed I couldn’t tell you what happened. I didn’t know where I was or even the name of my pony. As I couldn’t remember anything I wasn’t too upset. I was, and am, convinced he didn’t buck as he has never shown any inclination to do so. I was back riding him within a couple of weeks.
Again fast forward to three weeks ago and I was simply walking behind a friend on her horse, along a hedge line at the edge of a field, when a pheasant flew right out in front of me. My pony did a very sharp shy to the left (almost a spin) and I hit the deck. Just bruising this time, but it scared me to death and I haven’t got on him since. I am now convinced this is what happened the first time. OK, so I am using the excuse at present that I am too bruised to get back on, but deep down I know I am going to find excuses for a long while. Pony is currently happy munching grass thinking he is in early retirement.
I would really welcome any advice. I am a little convinced that now I am 64 I should perhaps find a more sedate hobby. As one gets older do you lose the ability to stay with a shy or sudden movement? Prior to this I should say that I hadn’t fallen off for over 10 years! Apologies for the ramble.