Just over
a year ago, I was in the market for a trail horse after my horse for
seven years was stolen. My new husband decided he wanted Sassy, the
quarter horse my best friend was selling us, so I was on the hunt for
another horse for me. I found a lovely paint gelding and watched a
young teen riding the horse. When I mounted him, the horse stood calmly
for a few moments and then without warning, flung himself backward on
top of me, breaking my left leg and ankle, and giving me a severe
concussion. We later found out the horse did that if he didn't want to
be ridden and he hurt several other people as well.
I
have ridden my entire life and never had a horse purposely hurt me.
After my cast was off and I was able to ride again, I started riding
Sassy, but I was so nervous I made her nervous too. The moment I was in
the saddle I would start having panic attacks that she would do
something to hurt me. She was patient and I worked with her and the
trainer over several months and slowly got my confidence back. After a
long snowy winter with very little riding, I started riding Sassy again
this spring and my nervousness was gone. She and I have covered a lot
of trail miles this year from easy to very challenging and we have
participated in some obstacle courses as well. Sassy and I have
developed a close trusting bond and without her I may have completely
given up riding. My husband hasn't ridden since I got hurt but soon he
will start riding Sassy again. I feel a lot more confident in finding
another horse but hope to find one as level headed and patient as Sassy
has been!
Sassy, by Lisa Clute
