Posted 2008-02-23 8:37 AM (#77699 - in reply to #77692) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
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CHris said in his autobiography "Still Me" that he had the horse at the trainer's and changed his mind at the last minute about riding that weekend.He said that often he found in talking to other accident victims that a last minute change of plans had occurred beforehand with them,also.Chris was participating in the cross country portion of eventing.But he did say in his book that he felt the horse shy or something to that effect before the jump.Perhaps he wasn't able to really remember clearly what did happen.
Posted 2008-02-23 8:44 AM (#77700 - in reply to #77695) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
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Originally written by notfromtexas on 2008-02-23 8:24 AM
A note about Julie Goodnight-she has my respect although I have never been to one of her clinics because of something she did a couple years ago. I appreciate a person who will stand up for safety even if it is not "cool" to ride with a helmet! I hope those kids learned a valuable lesson that day.
Are you saying that you have never been to one of her clinics because of this? Or,are you saying, "She has my respect,although I have never been to one of her clinics,) because ---"? You agreed with her,right?
Posted 2008-02-23 9:07 AM (#77710 - in reply to #77273) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
Member
Posts: 44 Location: Virginia
Regarding helmet wearing-a few years back a local trainer was killed when he had only gotten on a horse "for just a moment" during a lesson to demonstrate a technique. No helmet, since it was for "just a moment". Fell, hit his head and died from the injury shortly thereafter . A tragic loss for the community and his family, and one that serves as a reminder to always wear a helmet! As for bridleless riding-yeah, it is fun to "steer" with only seat and legs and voice, but like a previous poster mentioned-you don't have to remove the bridle for that.
Posted 2008-02-23 9:15 AM (#77711 - in reply to #77273) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
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Posts: 225 Location: Urbana,MD
I beleive the "horse shying " before the jump was a hesitation on chris's part and the horses.If the horse felt a hesitation from the rider he would back off thinking what is wrong is there monsters on the other side of the jump?It is a very sad situation.It just goes to show even if you are wearing a helmet you can still get injured.I will be the first to admit I do not wear a helmet on my horses when I ride them here in my areana.I do not board horses so it is only me that is riding in the ring.I do however wear a helmet out on the trail or if I am going to be jumping.Or if I ride at someone elses barn or property.Although I have heard that most of the riding accedents happen on the flat. I ride dressage and helmets are not required at shows.I wear a dressage derby which offers no protection at all.Grand prix riders wear top hats with no protection.Also there are alot of western sports were riders wear there western hats with no protection?
Posted 2008-02-23 10:03 AM (#77720 - in reply to #77273) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
Location: KY
As I recall Christopher Reeve was wearing a body protector vest as well as a helmet. It was a tragic accident. As for me, helmet goes on every time, every ride....even if I am riding in my barn or a show. Wore my fushia helmet at the afternoon field trials on President's Day. see photo on camp/trail.
Posted 2008-02-24 7:18 AM (#77790 - in reply to #77700) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
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Posts: 294 Location: Fort Worth, Tx
I don't go to clinics generally, prefer to stick with one trainer at my barn. So I'm not saying that I wouldn't go to her clinic. I think she has a great safety policy! Sorry for the confusion.
Posted 2008-02-24 9:22 AM (#77800 - in reply to #77273) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: missouri
If you want to ride in a helmut, it is a good and prudent choice. I determined long ago that I would not wear one because I value my life as it is and hope that they would not do any heroics after they determined that I had a spinal cord injury that could leave me quadruplegic... if I die in a riding accident, I went doing something that I loved. After seeing such accidents, the emotional hurdles and burden on my family and loved ones would be horrific.
Posted 2008-02-24 6:23 PM (#77834 - in reply to #77800) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
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That's a personal thing and far be it from me or anybody else to tell anyone what to do in a situation like that,for sure.
Some of the injuries incurred in a fall aren't serious enough to warrant life support but serious enough that a helmet could prevent some residual brain damage after a concussion such as seizures,ect.I know it's silly,but I wear one when I am riding on gravel roads,or riding alone.Guess in my mind these situations,to me,would be more likely to cause a fall,with head injury than the type of trail riding we do.But a horse shooting out from under me on the trail and hitting my head on a tree would sure do the trick,too,I'm certain.
Posted 2008-02-24 6:25 PM (#77835 - in reply to #77273) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
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Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
Jane, I respect your opinion, but am not understanding what you mean exactly. Forgive me for wording it this way.... but it seems like you are saying if you don't wear a helmet, and are in a riding accident, you are more likely to die outright and not be a burden? Of course, we all hope to not end up paralyzed or brain dead.... just wondering if that is what you meant?
Posted 2008-02-24 6:31 PM (#77837 - in reply to #77273) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
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Posts: 282 Location: southcentral pennsylvania
We attended the Pennsylvania Horse Expo yesterday in Harrisburg, PA. One of the participants in the "Wind Rider Challenge" rode bridleless. The obstacles were those of a typical trail class.....sidepass a dog leg, back around 4 barrels, a 2 foot jump, etc. While the young lady had a few challenges to contend with on the course, she always kept her horse in control, and I admired her horsemanship, and "try." I have attended Jule Goodnight presentations, and also respect her.
Posted 2008-02-25 11:16 PM (#77986 - in reply to #77835) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: missouri
I'm sorry, sometimes I needa whuppin... I mean to say that I would be really afraid to count on other people to care for me/ take care of me if something tragic happened. I came into this world being WAY too independent and need to shed some of that. I also realize that there are many things to live for even if you lose the use of your arms/legs/ears/eyes, etc... I just hope none of us has to experience it firsthand.
Posted 2008-02-26 2:40 PM (#78037 - in reply to #77273) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
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Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
Well Jane, I sure wasn't pickin on ya! I, too, am terribly independent. I have had one significant brain injury, and cannot afford another, so I,...wear the helmet. Which causes folks to pause during rides, and say, slowly and loudly....HEY DARLIN, ARE YOU DOIN' OK? YOU LET US KNOW, NOW, IF YOU NEED HELP...!" So I must look rather slow, but my IQ is intact, truly. I should wear a shirt that says...."I am the Designated Conscious Person"! hhee hee
Posted 2008-02-27 5:46 PM (#78138 - in reply to #78135) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
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Posts: 2615
I will look at one and post it.What nerve! Man,that guy makes me want a nerve pill or something to calm me down.
Tried several times to post the link,must be a bad URL.Go to YouTube.com and just search Lorenzo National Horse Show in videos.Also go to www.lorenzo.fr
Posted 2008-03-02 7:22 PM (#78506 - in reply to #78500) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
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Posts: 294 Location: Fort Worth, Tx
Statistically, it's not a matter of how good or bad you are, it's a matter of how often you ride. Basically if you ride you WILL have an accident at some point. Kind of like driving, if you drive, you will be involved in an accident. Of course, skill and safety can keep you out of some and keep those that happen less severe. So even if you are a top horseman/woman, you should keep in mind that it's not if, it's when.
Notice she does put a bridle on her horse as she exits the arena.
My experience with people that attempt bridleless riding or even halter riding anywhere buy an arena or known pastures usually ends in failure. At least they have had the sense to have a halter handy to put on and lead the horse back to the trailers. Showing off is fine, but a little common sense goes a long way.
Posted 2008-03-07 4:24 PM (#78949 - in reply to #77273) Subject: RE: Riding bridleless
Regular
Posts: 91 Location: Hill Country, Texas
In Indiana one of my girlfriends, level 2 parelli, would go bridleless on the trails. Made me very nervous! My question to her was,,,what are you going to do if you get into bees which is a common occurrence in the woods there.
Regarding helmets..I dont wear one either and I know better! I can't stand anything on my head, but then I dont think I would like to be on a ventilator either! One of my best friends was riding western pleasure, on a loose rein, in an arena....she moved the horse from a walk to a trot...the horse tripped, she didnt have enough rein to pull her up...she flipped, the saddle horn got Sherri in the head. I was working ICU when they brought Sherri in seizing. She died 3 days later. She was beautiful and young, engaged to a great horseman who to this day (30 yrs later) will not look at a horse. But, it wasnt cool to wear a helmet. I miss her.
We all have stories like this and maybe one day, we'll all be smart enough to be wearing helmets.
Riding bridleless
