24 July 2005, 2
One thing we have learnt ???
Something I find I have repeatedly mentioned to my young helpers this year is probably worth mentioning here. In my observation, the most dangerous time at any gathering of horse people is AFTER the competition or drive or ride is over. I have seen more accidents happen in that time than at any other. Lots of factors are at work - human tiredness, relaxation of earlier anxiety, adrenalin running down. People do silly things that they would never normally do. My daughter once started to remove a bridle from my Welsh cob before I had even stepped down from the carriage (something I have seen done by others - and seen runaways in consequence); Christopher unfastened a rein when Ruby was still in the carriage. Coming in from the drive yesterday at Penrith Show, I had cautioned my groom to be alert because we'd have to be standing, possibly for along time, among people and strange horses. It's so easy to lose concentration after an intense high like a good fast drive or a competitive event.
Stay alert. Even tired horses are quick.
Sue