Sensible advice please

LEC

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Have stuck this in here as the advice tends to be less sensational and more realistic.

Out hunting yesterday had a bit of an accident. Was getting my bridle adjusted out hunting as thought it was rubbing him - had two people holding on side of hill anyway sod took exception to this and reared up (which he has never done before) lost his balance as he reared up on side of hill and tipped over backwards with me on. He prompyly rolled on me twice and sat on me (clever pony).

I got up was absolutely fine but he clattered my hat with his hooves while he was rolling on me - did not kick me just made contact. He has also managed to break the cantle of his saddle. It looks very wobbly! I got back on the horse straight away and carried on hunting as both of us were fine - but I was bloody lucky.

I never hunt in a beagler but know that if I did I would have been much more seriously injured as it would have come off. My accident is on a very sane horse who has never done that before and not even jumping so it has definately made my mind up about the issue.

So my questions are:
Will my hat need replacing - it has no marks and it was just contact not a kick?
Has anyone had a broken cantle replaced or will it be a new saddle? I do have insurance but its not a huge amount.
 
From Boss: Hope you and R are OK, will PM you later

From me: Bloomng heck, hglad you and pony are fine - not a nice experience at all - personally no I wouldnt change my hat - put both hands inside and push outwards - if it creaks or anything then DO change

As for a broken cantle, nope never had one repaired, tho vaguely remember riding a pony whose saddle had one and they NEVER bothered fixing it!
 
I got knocked in the head by my horses back feet after it ended up lying on top of me and I never replaced my hat. If you had bashed it on a low tree branch would you replace it?

I would think it depends on the saddle if you can replace the cantle. We got one swapped on an Ideal saddle by Chris Puddy a few years ago and it was about £20 so I would ask a few saddlers and see what they say.
 
Hiya,

Sorry to hear about accident, but least you are both fine. Re the hat, I would get it replaced purely because there could be unseen damage, and IMO £50 for a new hat is worth it if it is going to save your head in future!

Re the cantel, TBH it depends on how far the damage has gone. It may be a tree replacement job, but can be done, so go to a trusted master saddler, and they should be able to advise you straight away. Sorry not any direct help, but difficult to know without seeing!
 
Lec - What an eventful day! Really glad to hear you're both none the worse for it.

Saddle - well, I think you can have tree replaced so assume you can have repairs also? I'd phone saddler.

Hat - Technically the answer is to replace after every fall, but I think from what you have said, your judgement is that is not required in this case....unless of course it's the perfect excuse for a new one
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xx
 
The mule has excelled himself this week! Mind you I do not think he will be having this as a party trick as he did get up very sore till he walked it off.
Also have discovered he is amazing at going up and down hills guess thats the advantage of being on the forehand! He is a bit like a mountain goat.
Glad about the hat only bought it 6 months ago. As for Cantle guess I need saddler to take a look but trying to work out whether they can be fixed.
 
Hope you are both ok?
Only you know how hard the contact was with your hat - but my OH (techy engineer
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) is always going on about energy and impact absorbtion and once a certain amount of energy has been absorbed the structure of the item has been weakened. If you do think it took quite a knock then replace it as it may not protect your head as it should do next time.
 
OMG or Shiitty Death Maid!!!

Glad to hear your ok

i would defo replace hat and then pop up to master saddlers and get saddle sorted. They may lend you a saddle whilst they repair yours
 
Flip glad you're ok bit of a freak accident.
I once had a horse come down on the road out hunting and roll on top of saddle. The tree was broken but I took it to saddler and had it repaired. Cost about £150 but it was well over 10 years ago. Big fat 13.2 cob so it was prob longer than 10 yrs ago. There I go again on about age
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Anyway worth a saddler having a look and glad you both ok to hunt again.
 
Glad to hear you're both ok - what a bugger of an accident!!

I would definately get the hat checked out if nothing else. And to be honest, would most probably replace it.
 
Haven't read all replies, but agree with Weezy, i wouldn't replace the hat, unless it was a limp and flopy hehe, and i don't know about the saddler!!
Sounds like you might want to replace the horse tho
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hehe
Hope you're both alright!!
 
Ouch glad you are ok.

i would get the hat looked maybe contact manufacturer for advise - i prob wouldn't replace.

As for your saddle you will need a new tree, it isn't really possible to replace a cantle as where it is attched to the tree (the nugget) cannot be got too easily and safely replaced so definately need a new tree which would cost around £110.
(can you tell i work for a saddle company!!! i could try sort it if you wanted???)
 
Poor you and there was me thinking he was a perfect gentleman!

Only you know how hard he clonked the hat but remember it can be impossible to tell from squeezing, posking or looking if the hat is damaged.

I clonked mine hard out hacking (on a tree) the other day and did replace it despite no sign of damage. I have few enough brain cells and do try and protect those I have got!!
 
Bloody animal all he has done this week is disgrace himself. But he has learn't some valuable lessons. He has a dressage lesson tonight lets see if he can behave. I think I will leave the hat as it was not a blow but more a glance off. I am lucky have a master saddler down the road who are very helpful. But thanks for letting me know about the tree. That is what I wanted to know!
On the good news I have definately got the ride on a lovely grey horse who behaves and is very tasty.
 
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