Safety around large animals

#1 07-07-2006, 10:49 AM

A guy from New York got thrown by a cow and is paralyzed. Apparently went to Spain and got into a crowded ring with 8 cows, some event that goes along with the running of the Bulls. I guess he thought cows are harmless.

Just reminds me of all the accidents I have witnessed around large animals. All to own horses please be careful. Guard is always up. Animals 5 times your mass may not mean to do a roll while you are in the stall, but it happens. Got to be careful. Sorry for the diversion, vivid memories, stay safe.

paisjpq · #2 07-07-2006, 10:59 AM

reminds me of when I was given my first concussion when riding alone--or when a yearling split my lip and almost knocked me unconsious first time he was scoped--or my cracked ribs getting kicked by my OWN horse when he was going for a fly. Horse people are notorious for being complacent around their charges...but tourists in spain are just plain stupid.

Downthestretch55 · #3 07-07-2006, 11:24 AM

Yup Pat,
Big critters can be very dangerous, and it happens in a blink.
The guy in Spain must have been looking for it, just like the macho types that run with the bulls at Pamplona. If you look for trouble, chances are you'll find it.
There's a good article at Thoroughbred Times today, written by a vet. It's called "cow kickers". Worth reading.
Just my experience, but no matter how careful you are, things happen very fast. Besides getting stepped on and thrown quite a few times, I've been plenty lucky. The worst was a "gentle" Shetland pony that I crossed paths with when I was a kid. I won't get into the whole story..I'll just say that we came to an "understanding". When the girls came to ride a few days later, you'd never believe that he was a reformed bronco. He was as gentle as a puppy...but I kept myself ready for any change. Dangerous stuff.
DTS

#4 07-07-2006, 11:34 AM

I just try and keep myself out of situations where I dont get crushed against something in tight quarters. As far as out in the open riding, I leave that to my wife. I dont need a leg up cause I dont get up.

Downthestretch55 · #5 07-07-2006, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgardn

I just try and keep myself out of situations where I dont get crushed against something in tight quarters. As far as out in the open riding, I leave that to my wife. I dont need a leg up cause I dont get up.

LOL,
Read the "cow kicker" article, it's pretty good.

As far as "riding in the open"...can't count the times I've ducked tree limbs or had one try to scrape me on a tree trunk.

"Be careful"...good words Pat. Also, wear a helmet. and KEEP YOUR HEELS DOWN!!!

LARHAGE · #6 07-07-2006, 11:54 AM

I've been around horses for 30 years and have broken ribs, wrists and received multiple scrapes and abrasions, not to mention bites too numerous to count. The worst injury though was during a horse show, I was riding my Saddlebred gelding who only knows one way...GO! We were called to walk one way around the ring and he was fretting and tossing his head badly, just as they called for the trot he flung his head back hitting me full-on in the face, I had blood running down my shirt but continued to show, we even placed rather well considering. I always tell novices who are around me to watch their heads, they are one of the most deadly aspects of the horse, as they like to swing them around and fling them back under saddle.

slotdirt · #7 07-07-2006, 11:54 AM

Reminds me of the time I was out on a leisurely hack when the horse I was riding decided he'd had enough and just started rolling. If I hadn't jumped off when I did, I'm pretty certain I might not be walking today.