It finally happened...

I finally fell off my horse! My first fall ever since I started riding.

It took 2-1/2 years but I managed it at last, in somewhat spectacular fashion. Don't worry, I'm okay! I have to go for an ultrasound on my kidneys tomorrow but I will be fine.

Gordon, my friend Pam and I were out riding in the field yesterday having a great old time. We decided to canter for a bit, so Gordon led the way. No sooner did I get Roo into gear then wham! Something happened... I went up in the air and slammed back down in the saddle hard. I would have stayed on, but then Roo took a hard turn left (I honestly have no idea if I jerked his rein or not!) and off I flew. I just remember throwing the reins from me and making sure my other foot was out of the stirrup before I hit the muddy ground in as much of a ball as I could curl up into.

I can't say it didn't hurt, because it did. I thought I would be okay until I suddenly felt like there was an elephant sitting on my chest, at which point Gordon called an ambulance. Somehow the farmer who rents our land showed up with his pick-up truck and brought the paramedic out to the field! Still not sure where he came from, but it was timely. We have the best neighbours. They ended up sticking me in a neck brace and taking me off to hospital. Not the best end to my ride with Roo, but the paramedics were super kind.

After a bunch of tests and xrays and stuff it was determined that I hadn't broken anything, thank goodness. They finally set me free three hours later, sore but alive. :) They took a urine sample and while I thought I was then free to go from the ER, apparently I wasn't, because I got a call today saying I need to come back and get an ultrasound. I think probably I bruised a kidney as that's exactly the part of my anatomy that took the worst of the impact.  Probably some blood in the urine. Anyway, my neck and lower back are sore but they will get better.

So mainly I am pissed off at having to fast for 8 hours before my ultrasound at 10:45 am tomorrow. I am not a pleasant person when I can't eat. Also I am not good at lying around resting, but I tried to do that today. Everyone is being super kind to me.

Mostly I really want to get back on my horse. I was wearing my helmet but I'm pretty certain I kept my head from hitting the ground. Nonetheless I will be buying a new helmet, just in case.

My friend Pam, who was riding behind me on her  lovely horse Ella (who is currently boarding here!) saw the whole thing. Apparently Roo kicked out at Ella as she came up behind me, either a sideways kick or a backwards one. That's what sent me up in the air to begin with. Still don't know why he turned left but maybe I yanked the rein as I came back down and that threw him off balance. But it all happened so fast, I'm not entirely sure what went on. I don't know what I could have done to prevent it.

To Roo's credit, as soon as I fell off, he stopped to check on me. Pam said he didn't want to leave me and she had to drag him back across the field to the barn. So maybe he likes me a little bit. :) He really is a good boy, and falls are part of riding horses. They aren't machines; they are animals and things happen. You do what you can to minimize your risks. So I will have a soak in an Epsom salts bath tonight, then go get my ultrasound tomorrow. 

And Kudos to the Canadian healthcare system. Ambulance was at the farm in 10 minutes and I was seen by a doctor soon after I arrived at the hospital. Had xrays and tests and was home within three hours. Then they followed up about the ultrasound last night (I missed the phone call!) And I don't have to pay for any of it unless they decide the ambulance ride was unncessary, in which case I believe you need to cough up $45. We have a really great little hospital under 15 minutes from us!

It's okay buddy, I still love you!

PS: I just noticed that this is my 2000th blog post! I guess I've had a lot to say since 2005.