Undid my hat and ended up with concussion

[NELSON11]

Friday, had a lovely ride on my 4 year old who has only been home 3 weeks after being backed/produced. Rode him at 7.30am straight out the stable, was really chuffed with him as managed to mount without any help etc. Can be a little exuberant at times.

Did a nice half hour work, then finished and dismounted in the arena. Was walking to the gate with him, I undid my hat, but didn't take it off and then I can only describe like I had been hit by a rocket in the side of the head.

Something frightened him and he spooked but hit me straight on the side of the temple. My hat flew off and I was sailing through the air and landed in a heap. Thankfully just some concussion/blinding headache for the last 2 days,

But I so wish I hadn't undone my hat as a 17.2hh 650kg is not something I relished smacking me in the head, Something I won't do again in a hurry. will make sure we are safely in the stable I think

Anyway my Champion Ventair hair was damaged in the process, so think that is a right off.

The joys of horse ownership eh. Bless him, I think he was more shocked than I was as he stood there sniffing me.

 

[ThePony]

Hope you are ok now, and your horse has recovered from the fright of sending his owner flying!

Thank you for sharing your story though, wearing a hat when riding is so commonly considered essential, but I think it is easy to forget the sense in wearing one when handling a horse, especially one that might be more unpredictable than others.

A good reminder as I always wear one to ride, but could do to wear one more when handling.

 

[miss_bird]

Christ you were very lucky the hat was still on and took the brunt of the impact, so glad to hear that you got away with just mild concussion.
It is also something i do alot but will be leaving hat on till back to stables in future.
Again glad you are ok and thanks for the kick up the backside reminder that we all need now and again