I was very lucky this morning - A warning about sleepy horses

[amzy]

I was sat on my pony this morning in the sun and while I was talking to a friend he fell asleep. A few minutes later he woke up suddenly and the poor boy must have been dreaming about having a predator on his back or something as he suddenly started to bronc and didn't stop until I eventually lost balance and came off. When he turned and looked at me on the floor he looked genuinely sorry and surprised. I got back on and rode about a bit and he was his normal quiet self. Last year, with a previous pony, I was tidying her feathers in the sun and she too had fallen asleep until something made her wake up suddenly and she spooked into me, treading on my foot and sent me flying across the yard. In future I am going to make sure my pony is awake when I'm dealing with it to avoid any more bruising. It's funny really as i'm quite a nervous rider but have never fallen off or been hurt when out riding but seem to have my accidents when I'm least expecting them.

 

[lozziehumphreys]

I know exactly what you mean!

My mare was dozing in the sun last May and I patted her on the neck before bending down to put on a brushing boot. Wham! I flew across the yard and ended up with a shattered humerus. The poor mare broke the leadrope and was in such a state, she obviously hadn't woken up when I patted her. Now every time I do boots I say, "I'm just doing your boots Minnie! For every leg!

 

[cokelly]

Wow! proves that our dear horsies DO dream! I'm gonna be aware of that from now on lol!

 

[Bert&Maud]

My horse was dozing in his stable on a hot day last summer (was there one?!) and I went in to check his water. He came straight at my face with his teeth, and I narrowly missed losing my nose. I always make sure he's aware that I'm around now.