This message is from: Jan Dickinson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Three summers ago, I broke 4 ribs and collapsed a lung when a 4 year old bucked me straight over his head. As soon as the surgeon told me it was okay to ride again, I got back up on the same young horse. I rode him for "awhile" but realized quickly enough that it just wasn't going to work. Soon after that, I began riding the kindest Polish Arab on earth. He was always a gentleman on the trail. One day, the summer following my broken rib ride, the Arab spooked severely. I hung on as long as I could. I landed in a lush pasture, no worse for the wear (I thought) until several days later. I had broken and herniated a disk in my upper spine. Very painful (but not as bad as the broken ribs). Another surgery and lengthy recovery process. When the surgeon told me that I could get back on the horse, I was a lot more cautious than ever before! I put a bucking strap on my saddle and I put a suede leather cover on the saddle seat for extra grip. I added a little bell to our trail gear so that wildlife would hear us coming. But the biggest change and the best thing to help me really regain my confidence and get me back on the right path was when my 11 year old Fjord mare, Cecelie, joined our family. She has been my best friend and we take good care of each other every time we ride. Her calm way and patience has been the key to me continuing to ride. Jan
The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
