Five Dead Friends: The Dangers of Horses (Episode 147) - Herm Gailey: A Lifetime with Horses

This video plays out five real life scenarios in which people I knew well were killed in the course of riding or working with horses. There is no judgment here. However, there are lessons to be learned from the price paid by these five friends who are no longer with us.
About Herm Gailey:
Herm Gailey has spent a lifetime with horses. He is a nonprofessional rider who starts and trains his own horses to successful careers in multiple disciplines. Away from the show ring Herm retains a deep respect and appreciation for good reliable trail riding horses and believes that all horses benefit from this type of riding.
There is nothing for sale here. If these videos allow one person to avoid fear, frustration, or injury or help one horse get a better deal, then that is payment in full.
Filming and production by Kim Gailey-Fitting
Video Camera Company: Canon
Microphone Company: RODE
Song Credit: "Devil's Son" by Enter the Haggis
(www.enterthehaggis.com)

[@carolegrant1201]

55 years ago I was on a trail ride with my 4H group. My horse stepped in a yellow jacket nest. Within seconds I was covered with bees and so was my horse. She was running blindly into trees. My 4H leaders ran up along side of me and pulled me off of her. Luckily we were both ok….but very shook up. I’m 71 now and will never forget that.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

The scary thing about hornets, yellow jackets, wasps etc. is that you really can’t predict when you’re going to encounter them and you can’t blame your horse for a powerful reaction. Glad to hear you came through that situation safely.

[@tashathayer4069]

I try to stock up w Benadryl U Never know & bees can hurt yah & Benadryl could help. Glad ur okay & ✌

[@EquusKeepusBrokus9791]

Happened to me about 30 years ago. There were 8 of us trail riding and the last 3 took the brunt of it. We had to turn around to get back to the barn to give 3 horses epi shots. Saved their lives. Boy was that scary.

[@lainahiller4146]

Your leader must have been a good, experienced rider. That is an amazing story.

[@Ncogneeeedo]

Omg, we were trail riding and were attacked by hornets. We were covered in hornets. I was on a big horse and he started bucking! There were rocks on the ground and I knew if I fell I would be in trouble. I held on for dear life till he stopped. I feel lucky. They said I should join the rodeo.

[@sharong8841]

I had the experience of the yellow jackets with a fantastic paint mare, she had those things all over her burrowing into her hair. We were riding in the Mark Twain National Forest in MO. There was a pond nearby, this amazing mare did not buck, rear, or panic. She headed straight into that pond , the main cloud of yellow jackets couldn’t get to us in that pond. She brought us out the other side if that pond and allowed me to crush the yellow jackets still clinging to her. She had some welts but damn she was a fine horse.

[@yzettasmith4194]

Damn, that is a genius horse!

[@anitamcginnis8028]

Yay horse!!

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Great story. Great horse. A good one will save your life. The story proves it. Thanks for sharing.

[@Cissy2cute]

Yellow jackets are the worst of all stinging insects. They are naturally vicious. They usually hang around trash cans in the fall and all you have to do is just walk by and they will attack.

[@MTknitter22]

Christopher Reeve. Sometimes the person does not die but life was awfully hard for him all those years.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Very true.

[@Jinka1950]

Heard he miscued the horse

[@DianeLee999]

@@Jinka1950 Your point…?

[@farmwife7944]

he admitted later that he had been told not to ride that horse,that he did not have the skills needed but he insisted with the confidence that some arrogant beginners have. His fortune was depleted by the extensive care he required daily and he died from complications that occur in patients who are paraplegics and have skin breakdown issues. He went back to a few acting jobs because he needed the money. He also made public the financial impact on people who suffer catastrophic illnesses in this country using his own experience in which insurance imposes lifetime limits on all care.

[@dinganddoo2]

Saw Chris Reeves' accident. We were competing the same weekend. Completely his fault (and trainers). You NEVER ride to a cross country fence in forward position, holding on to the mane. Imo, he was riding way above his capabilities. His trainer is to blame for that.

[@sweetpeasandyarrowaranchdi8327]

I'm one of those people with too much pride to wear a helmet....until last year. I was gathering cows on my new horse. I made her chase a couple renegades. When they hit the fence, they turned around and gave her an evil look. She was supposed to be experienced. Without hesitating, I pushed her forward. I knew the cows would just run away, but she didn't. She started crow hopping in refusal, then kicked out and threw me off. I hit the ground with my body first, then my head bounced. I didn't get hurt, just some bruises and a slight headache. And she stood quiet, looking down at me. But I got a helmet, right after that. I don't care, what I look like anymore. Lol

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Glad to hear you came through that wreck with little damage. Sometimes a close call like that changes our perspective a bit, doesn’t it. Helmets are an individual choice but I certainly endorse your decision to wear one. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@sandrajenkins6822]

I take it you're American? In the UK everybody wears a helmet, BHS trainees have to wear them whenever they're handling horses, shoeing, lunging, catching in etc. We think Americans wearing felt stetsons are deluded.

[@lindasorensen4090]

I wear a helmet now also after my head bounced on the ground don't care what it looks like

[@RogueReplicant]

​@@sandrajenkins6822 "delusional", not deluded f f s

[@meloniedropik3539]

@@RogueReplicant As a fellow grammar and spelling aficionado, I can relate to your desire to correct people and even judge their overall intelligence to be commensurate with their language mistakes. I have come to recognize that I was wrong to do that and would encourage you to consider what led me to be less judgmental and also much less annoyed by mistakes. My change of mind is largely due to watching YT and reading the comment sections. There are many content creators whose spoken language is pretty atrocious (NOT this creator, by the way), but they are doing things at which I will never even attempt to make a start. I started to ask myself why is the kind of language usage skill (in which I possess expertise) the most important of all skills and the yardstick by which all others' intelligence should be measured? I had to face my own arrogance, get down off my high horse (I couldn't resist the pun), and admit that English language usage isn't the only or even most valuable type of human knowledge and skill. Someone who has skill and knowledge of handling horses shouldn't be insulted or disrespected because their spelling or grammar usage do not meet our standards for verbal ability. I honestly enjoy YT content and comments so much more now that I look to understand the intent of the person speaking or writing instead of allowing poor grammar or spelling to disrupt my enjoyment of their communications. I hope you can consider what I've said and maybe, as I have, extinguish one source of irritation in life. I thought of two more important reasons to consider taking my view. First, let's not forget that the comments on YT come from around the world and it may not be a native English speaker whom we are judging. Second, it seems like Autocorrect makes every capitalized noun that ends in "s" take the possessive form. The legion of apostrophes that swarm the comments section is still something I have to consciously tell myself to either ignore or curse the phone and not the person. Now you can fire away and correct any mistakes I've made. I am a defender of the Oxford comma, an inveterate mixer of metaphors, have been known to occasionally split an infinitive, and can dangle a participle as well as anyone, so get out your red pen and let me have it. 😃

[@ShelbyHume]

Dear Herm: this is the first video I’ve ever watched of yours. It just happened to show up on my feed. I love horses. And I just want you to know how valuable I thought this video was and how grateful I am that you shared it. I’ll be looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@patriciapitt4228]

Hi same here first timer great information, lost 2 friends with in a week, horse rolling on them and then young boy just standing near the horse got kicked in the gut, never came home, Thanks very much for putting that UP, all the best to everyone please take care and thanks again Chow for now lol Stay Safe ***...

[@Paintfilly1]

Ditto! My first video of Herm’s and an instant subscriber!👍

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for your kind thoughts and glad to have you watching these videos. Your comments are always welcome.

[@barbarajones5961]

Yes Herm, my first time watching you as well. Excellent video. Now I will watch when you pop up. Thank you.

[@GR-mw1tk]

This came up in my feed , first time to watch. So often injuries result from unknowns. I have a life sternum injury from a sale ring ranch horse which turned out to be loco. It over jumped a ditch and I caught a saddled horn . The horse was well behavior. However this same horse flipped over backward with all men who tried to ride it. Loco weed , the destroyer of horses.

[@talonhatch9342]

Been around horses for 60 yrs. And have had accidents. Still in one piece but it takes a split sec. for things to go bad. Good video everyone should watch.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks. You are absolutely right. Horses are quick. These days I’m not. All the more reason for care. Still, we all saddle up anyway. Have a good ride.

[@kristinm784]

It does! Split second Even to seasoned riders Been there….

[@auroraborealis6009]

The thing about concussions is that after you have a bad one, it doesn't take much to get another. 30 years ago I figure skated. My husband had me in a lift and fell. I sat there for 5 minutes crying but remember none of it. My pupils were different sizes, I had brain fog for months, and couldn't do math. 30 years later, I still get migraines. Ten years later, I came off a horse and bumped my head. I was wearing a helmet but still developed terrible aphasia. I spoke slowly, stuttered, slurred words, and couldn't find words. At the time, doctors basically said "you didn't get knocked out, so it's not a concussion. " The days of "walk it off" are over, thank goodness. I never hesitate to warn people that you don't have to die from a head injury for it to have a lasting effect on your life. I still have headaches and migraines, math sometimes stumps me, and when I'm tired I have speech problems. I've broken all of my ribs several times. Once you get a little older, you don't bounce, and it's really easy to break your rib again. Fortunately I do have a colorful injury story. We were on a nose to tail mule ride in Yosemite National Park. I thought I felt something funky in his hindquarters but only once or twice. We rode over some scary stuff and got to a nice sandy trail . He tripped on a root and went down. My foot stuck in the stirrup and I broke my ankle. I had a 3 mile stretcher ride and a 50 mile ambulance ride. When we got home to GA, I had surgery. 2 years later I had part of the ankle fused. I walk a little funny now. But hey, it's a colorful story. I won't ride strange horses now. My Appaloosa mare is turning 20 this month, and I've known her since she was a day old. She can spook or otherwise react. With her, I always know how she reacts. She goes through the same sequence every single time. In that way, she's predictable. She also knows if my leg gets out of position or my back cramps up (due to all the broken ribs) . She stops and waits for me to get it together, and goes on. I'm lucky to have her. We know each other really well.

[@galecreek]

Thank you for sharing this. My life experiences have been similar. And so, young people often admire me for what I’ve done. So, I add a word to the wise. And say, you could end up dead, or worse. They don’t say anything to that, but, you can see their figuring out what I mean on their own.

[@auroraborealis6009]

@@galecreek Thank you! My 18 year old nephew recently tried out for his school football team. His mother didn't approve, but I understand that when you really love a sport, you can't be talked out of it. So I explained in detail what I've been through and that would be my last lecture on the subject. I told him to always wear safety gear and have fun.

[@tommyjenkins7453]

Playing HS basketball,in the middle of a game I was on the court following the team up and down the court , didn't know where I was which side my team was sitting on ECT only knew I was in a game somewhere??? To this day don't know what happened, I suppose I was knocked out for a nano-second recovered and kept playing,,,,,,,dooont know

[@randyrobey5643]

I had a friend who was knocked out in a car crash. She was unconscious for 30 minutes. She got better, but her personality was never the same. She became moody and argumentative. She stayed that way for the rest of the time I knew her. Only now are we beginning to understand how sensitive the brain is to permanent damage.

[@auroraborealis6009]

@@randyrobey5643 That’s so sad. Anecdotally when I worked as a vet tech, a family had a great border collie who was a great family dog. He was playing Frisbee with his family one day and knocked himself out by running into a stone wall. He became absolutely vicious after that and eventually was put down.

[@roosts20412]

Thank you for this video, Herm. A horse is not a bicycle. Their strength and power must be respected and you must never lose your focus while working with them. One of my neighbors is currently in the hospital after a horse stomped on her face. Even if she survives, she will never be the same. Any of you that love to watch horse videos on KZbin have probably come across Friesian Horses. About 9 months ago Yvonne came off a horse she was schooling and hit her head. She is a young mother with two toddlers. She survived, but just barely, and has chronicled her long, slow recovery on the channel. If watching the video of her distraught husband informing her subscribers of her accident doesn’t convince you to be more careful, nothing ever will!

[@elizabethmaudlin9686]

I remember 3 of the 5 of those friends. Their deaths really made me realize how quickly things can go wrong when riding even the best behaved horse. A good reminder for everyone.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Yes and maybe reminds us both of the series of near death experiences that made our rather unstructured childhoods so exciting, yet far riskier than we knew at the time.

[@MTknitter22]

Exactly and even tho we know many of our fellow cowboys/cowgirls will balk at this video. We love our horses but we honestly must assess the danger.

[@ritamariekelley4077]

@@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses As a child, I could not ride fast enough, sometimes bareback. I was an adrenaline junkie. Same with other sports. When I look back, I shudder to think about how many times I could have been paralyzed--or worse.

[@barbaralee6534]

Thank you Herm, this must have been very hard to make. I hope your effort helps to spare others from similar fates.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

My hope as well.

[@jacquelynfullerton7253]

Most folks who are involved with horses know it’s not IF you’ll be injured, it’s WHEN and HOW BADLY. We all get lucky at times but it is a sobering fact that we all can’t be lucky 100% of the time. Thank you Sir for sharing your insight with those who will listen.

[@lisalynnn]

Whenever we rode our horses, my grandfather would make us wear football helmets with the face guards removed. This was several decades ago, so that was the only kind we knew of that was available to us in rural Tennessee. No one I knew wore helmets. People would poke fun of my grandfather for being overprotective until one unfortunate accident that involved me. We were out riding with some cousins who lived a few farms over from ours. I was riding our older Belgian because she was so tame and "safe." One of the cousins kept wanting to ride her and wanted me to ride his young saddle horse. I was eight years old and tiny. I had only ever rode horses my granddaddy approved of and under the supervision of more responsible people. My big brother was riding with us, but he was up a ways from me and this idiot. My cousin yanked me off of my horse and threw me on his. In the process, he took off my helmet and just tossed it. Well, tossing the helmet spooked his young horse. He started bucking and kicked my Belgian. In the confusion, my horse went to do the chomp down and shake move on him, but she missed him. Instead, she grabbed me by the leg and flung me head first into the treeline.I don't remember anything after that except for waking up in the hospital. I had a severe concussion, a broken collarbone, a fractured wrist, several lacerations on my scalp that required nearly 80 stitches, two missing teeth, stitches in my tongue, several other gashes on my body that required stitches, and other bruises and scrapes. I was unconscious for 19 hours. Thankfully, I didn't fracture my skull or spine. I was a very lucky little girl. My doctor was mostly concerned about the concussion. He told my family that the helmet saved my life. Had the family idiot not taken my helmet off, none of the injuries would have happened. My horse had never been considered dangerous. She was calm, sweet, and good with me and my little brother. It taught me a quick lesson about how dangerous horses can be. Even the best can cause serious and even fatal injuries. My kids wear helmets and protective gear. They ride with experienced adults, but I know how quickly things can go badly. I've debated back and forth with myself on whether or not I should even let them ride. We use our horses to work the cattle and to do other jobs. Obviously, we enjoy just taking them out for a ride, too. It's a difficult decision, but your video has sent me back into debate mode. Thank you for sharing. You've given me a lot to think about. * My granddaddy banned that cousin from our farm, and he was never allowed to go out riding with any of us again. I never saw him much after the accident because, to put it nicely, my daddy told him never to go near me again. I'm thankful to have been raised by such wonderful men.

[@anndiederich1991]

This video made me into a new subscriber. I'm 58 and only have 13 years experience with horses. After years of lessons, my horse was picked for me by a friend who has 40+ years of equine breeding, training and student teaching. It was a perfect match. He's a QH paint gelding and was 10 years old at that time (now 16). He is brave, a bit lazy, willing to work and learn new things, we even won first place a recent mountain obstacle challenge. I have been in constant lessons since owning him, learning several different training techniques and disciplines (for me the Ray Hunt methods were the best fit). No jumping, but lots of arena time and trails. I ride 5+ days a week. I've done extensive training and clinics, all with the purpose of continuous learning. I had become so comfortable with him, and in the last couple of years, I have been trailering him to local parks with horse trails and hacking out on my own about 2 times a week in nice weather. All of this said, things can go terrible wrong in an instant. Two weeks ago, I went out on my own on the property where he is boarded and where he had been out with me alone before and with groups. For an unknown reason, he spooked on an open field, spun around in an instant, head high, and galloped full speed towards an area with trees and thick undergrowth with prickers everywhere. Nothing could stop him. All of the things I had practiced for years, including a one rein stop (he literally had his nose almost to my leg and he was still running full speed), nothing could stop him. I gave up and laid flat out along his neck with my helmeted head behind and below his head, hoping his head would be the first thing to meet an obstacle, as we barreled into the trees and brush, which finally stopped him about 5 yards in. I came out of it scraped up and with a bad rib bruise where I hit the pommel hard as I slammed down along his neck (western saddle with no horn). I know this isn't as bad a story as many here, but it could have easily gone so wrong. This was an eye opener to how my calm, lazy, brave, experienced horse can become an uncontrollable cannon within milliseconds. This video you made just solidifies that knowledge within me, and I have a re-awakened attention to safety that may just be a life-saver. I had become too comfortable.

[@anndiederich1991]

Since I wrote this, I found out that another rider had seen a coyote "couple" at the edge of the field and was charged by one of them, while she was horseback. She's very experienced and navigated that experience, but I am SURE that my horse sensed or saw the coyotes that day. I'll be avoiding that area for the time being.

[@feraynironmane8101]

@@anndiederich1991 Stay safe my friend. Always think of ways that whatever you are doing could go wrong, and what you can do to stop it from going that direction. Scenario planning saved my life more than once.

[@jessicaduncan9309]

Horses have powerful adrenal systems. I’m glad you’re okay. Look into lessons on bailing (which you definitely still might not do in the moment). In a crisis, your horse is better off without you, and you without your horse. Thank you for sharing this.

[@killyourtelllievision]

Glad you survived almost unscathed Ann. It's funny how the more comfortable we get with the wild things we love, the more complacent and in control we feel with them around us and that can and often is a recipe for disaster. Yes, you may pay all the bills but at the end of the day, he or she can take a bigger bite out of you than you can of her or him [sorry, no "pride pronouns" in my vocabulary]

[@junipersue]

@@anndiederich1991 Since horses like to follow things-at least my cow bred ones do, I always turn around and chase any coyotes that are following me and my dogs. Works for us!

[@suemaher5282]

Wise words from a wise man. I've spent my life with horses and tried to explain to people your best friend may love u but always remember he can hurt u without meaning to. To hear you say it on here is going to make someone somewhere safer. All the best from the UK and I will share this with my horse friends. 🐎

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your comment. You are so right that horses almost never mean to hurt us. They simply don’t realize their own strengths and the harm they can cause. It would almost be better if they knew that they could be dangerous and for that reason took better care. However, as we both know it’s not that way.

[@MR-lq7ss]

There are some things you just don't do or take for granted. Riding a strange horse, bareback, no helmet... no matter how well you ride, Riding is one of the most dangerous sports. My first horse was a 2 yr old rescue with no real human interaction before I got her - she was from a horse dealer/kill buyer (didn't know at the time - back in the 70's). Took me 2 years to get her to trust me. She stumbled one day when I was riding in outdoor ring - she was still green broke (me training her - I was 19). My horse tried really hard to maintain her balance, but she finally lost it and fell. I tried to emergency dismount while she was stumbling, since I felt she was going to go down. I didn't clear in time. My horse landed on her right side, my right foot still stuck in the stirrup. We landed such that my girl fell on her right side with me pinned under her. My head was between all 4 hooves. I had a helmet on (thankfully). My horse immediately started to thrash to get up, and I knew I wasn't going to make it if a hoof struck me. As she started to swing a front hoof at my head in an effort to get up, I said a quick prayer and grabbed her hoof to try and stop her. Wasn't sure if that would turn out to my benefit. Well, instead of panicking more, my girl immediately stopped and waited for people to come and help us. Someone straddled her neck to keep her down, while others tried to undo the girth so I could get my foot released. As soon as I was released, she got up and stood at a distance and waited for me to get her. Thankfully, neither of us were seriously injured. Just as thankfully, my girl understood she needed to stay down, despite her survival instinct telling her to get up. She saved my life - her staying calm, and the prayer and helmet. She owned me for over 30 years. Long story, but riding is dangerous, no matter how good you are, or the precautions you take.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Maybe the most important lesson to be taken from your story is that when you have earned your horses trust it can save your life. Good job. Thank you for sharing the story. Glad it turned out the way it did.

[@lisaorner1803]

Great story! So glad you both came out ok!! Smart thinking!!

[@alicecohen4726]

Well done on trust and connection with ypur horse. Responding well in the moment! Thank you for sharing.

[@carolmartin2503]

WOW That brought to my mind an accident I had almost totally forgotten ! It was about 60 years ago and I had recently given birth to a tiny (4 lb) adorable little daughter three months before. We drove up the mountains to visit her Grandma and let them 'visit' awhile. A local farmer had just bought a new horse and asked me to check it out. Always glad to ride, so they brought her out bridled up and I got 'a leg up' (help to mount bareback) and off we went ..... down the old mountain road to see how the new babe and Grandma were doing ! FOOLISHLY I urged her to canter back up the mile or so to the farm, and she did, nice and briskly, until she spotted her 'vacant' spot in the pasture and did a quick running twist = which I didn't catch in time = and wound up on a heap of pasture fence rocks ! OUCH = it took a month or more [of gingerly moving] to get over that pain ! Nothing broken = Thank God ! That was a tough lesson to learn ! I don't think I ever rode a strange horse bareback at a gallup again !!!! But, can't help but add, that it could have been MUCH WORSE if I'd had the saddle on and the stirrup 'stuck' onto my foot ! mmmmm........ =\

[@MR-lq7ss]

@carolmartin2503 Glad you got out of that one without serious injury.

[@lindawhite1515]

First time watching one of your videos & I am quite impressed. I’m 76, had my share of broken bones coming off horses but not willing to quit just yet. I am riding at a slower pace now, no mad galloping across fields, no more fox hunting or jumping, no more rambunctious horses. I still feel a thrill riding a familiar steady horse through the woods, jumping logs on the ground and having a short canter. Yes, I recognize I can still have an accident but until the day comes when I’ve had enough, I’m not giving up the reins just yet.

[@Carol-dj8gp]

Yes sir you are absolutely correct. I had a very bad accident with a horse in 1987, that has left me in chronic pain and still having surgery because of it. I am a very experienced rider, owned horses all my life. Lucky I made it out alive. Thank you for the video.😢

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Sorry to hear about your accident and the unfortunate after effects. Hope you’re still riding or otherwise enjoying horses. I know it means a lot to all of us. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@Carol-dj8gp]

@@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses Thank you but no I can't ride anymore. Too much damage to my spine. Busted knees and about to go for a knee replacement in 1 week.

[@dand3975]

All horse riders say "It wasn't the horses fault".

[@smidgen]

​@@dand3975 nobody even typed those words in this particular comment thread, are you confused?

[@dougclark6696]

Thank you for sharing these difficult memories. It will inspire me to be more careful around all horses.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks,glad to hear this video resonated with you.

[@MollyGrue1]

Thank you so much for this video. Yes, horses can be very dangerous without wanting to hurt. They are just huge, strong, flight-animals and their reactions are beyond human perception - very fast. Had my own nice and gentle horse for 26 years. Was ridiculed for the way I trained it, i. e. I walked it on a lounge for a long time before sitting on him, showed him the world and any kind of situation. I was wearing a helmet and so on and was laughed at for it. Or for being cautious, where to canter and where not (avoiding falls and injury). Was called a coward 1000 times for my love of controlled, calm rides not wild stampedes. 2 of my friends called me a coward but ended up in the hospital after a while because the horse was riding THEM or was accustomed to run at every ocassion, out of control. Had a young girl riding my horse - I obliged her to wear my old helmet before she bought her own. Glad thing she did. Somehow she pulled the reins in an awkward way, steered my horse away from the path under the biggest fattest branch available in the forrest. Thing hit her over the head (helmet was kind of mashed afterwards but not her skull!!!) and brushed her off the horse. She fell backwards on a tree trunk. My good horse stood with her while she sat there, hurt, unable to stand up or walk. So they saw my horse from the ranch he was kept, said, ow, thats B's horse over there with a saddle on him, strange, lets go, look. Thats why she got to the hospital very fast, with a broken dorsal vertebra. Thank God, no further dammage and able to WALK away. But believe me, the day when that phone call came from the stable about the accident, I grew grey hair. It was NOT my horses fault, the young rider said afterwards. The animal did no wrong step. But had no controll about what was going on 1 meter above the saddle, of course. So, out there to all the riders who are called cowards for being cautious and aware, to all who take it easy and safe instead of daring, who wear helmets and safe jackets to protect their spine when jumping: There is an arab proverb: Trust in god but TIE your camel! And let them all laugh and grin about your helmet instead of a cool western stetson and so on. Its YOUR head, its YOUR bones, NO one will pay for you if you are dammaged. Do not sit on horses you do not trust. Do not ride a rent horse on holiday thats skittish and shy - I had 2 cases of saddle soreness hidden under the saddle. Remember, a horse in pain and fear is no match for anyone, you cannot bargain with it no matter how good a rider you are. Lost a set of teeth as a young woman because of such an animal myself.... You cannot avoid every mishap, as life in itself is a dangerous thing (The Navajo Indians say it and the German writer Erich Kästner said nearly the same, they are right). But you can take care and be wise and aware, at least. Sorry for the long story. But your story was the trigger and I appreciate your words very much. Hope people learn - and being safe does not mean, less love for the horses. And does not mean, being a coward, either. Have fun with your horses, anyway. Love

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Quite a story. Thank you for sharing. You make some good points. Hope you keep watching.

[@MollyGrue1]

​@@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses I will, though my old faithful friend left for the Big Prairies in 2020. Still love horses - but there are plenty of grave stones with "My horses would never harm me" written on it. Included the breeder of my own one, got run over by his own stallion in the dark. Tragic and horrible. Maybe thats why I am super sensitive toward this topic. Got mine as a 2 year old "green" little one and caution is my second name, for good reason. But its never the horse's fault, anyway. They are not mean by nature. Just strong and fast.

[@angelaainsworth1715]

MolleyGrue1 I hope and pray that horse owners/riders will take your wisdom to heart!

[@MollyGrue1]

@@angelaainsworth1715 But do not let it ruin your fun factor, pleeeeeaaaze! LOL.

[@pamspencer5733]

It's called EQ! Emotional Intelligence aka Superior Intuition! 🧠🙏🎭🧐

[@Rbuffdogs]

People get too relaxed, forgetting they are around a prey animal that can be in excess of 1,000lbs, lighting speed and cat-like reflexes. I came close . Too confident, too hurried. Horse came apart, completely...for me 9 ribs. Pelvis Fxs in 3 places, bell rung hard. Two months is a hospital bed, a month on a walker. He bucked me out of both my boots, Thank God. I also was wearing a helmet, which along with God's Grace, saved me...It shook me, my confidence, on the ground and in the saddle. Perhaps I am glad it has. God Speed to all these people , Bless them all. It is so easy to have it happen. Something we love so much, can be also , our last love. Be safe out there.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Wow, what a comment. Your experience is something we all can learn from. I am glad you came out alive and hope you are doing well now. Thanks for watching and, again, thanks for your thoughtful and thought provoking comment.

[@georgiagirl1961]

They are flight animals being orey for pray animals and tear flight instinct us a match trigger reflex if they feel pressured.

[@badeugenecops4741]

*Horse like reflexes.

[@Turboy65]

Advice given to me when I started riding: Lace up your boots...but not TOO tight. If things go bad and you end up on the ground with a boot locked in a stirrup, you want that boot to come off!!!

[@dglow03]

Thank you so much for this truthful realization. Horses have always been one of the most beautiful animals to me and I have a great love for them. I’ve only ridden a handful of times in my life and survived a few horrific accidents. Once crossing a creek, the trail horse started stomping the water. I got off just in time. It started rolling in the water and I could have been crushed underneath. Same time after I got back on, it went at full speed, came to a dead stop, leaned his head forward and off I went. Thankfully it was on soft ground. And on one of my first trail rides, it went along a road until we reached trail. The horse got spooked by a car, again went full speed. Scares me to think what would have happened if it went into the traffic. Also had a saddle fall off. I’m 65 and how’d I’d love to ride a gentle, beautiful horse but I think I’ll admire them and love them from the ground.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. It sounds like some of them have not been particularly enjoyable. All the same, I’m glad to hear that you appreciate horses and that you have done your best to do so safely. Hope you keep enjoying and hope you remain safe and well.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

From Sally Hanshew on Facebook: "Great message and I love that there is no judgement. Accidents can happen even when you do everything right. I was an equine dentist for several years and decided to stop practicing when my children were young because I felt it was too risky after a few close calls. I enjoyed listening, thanks for sharing."

[@rickraber1249]

Yes. I had one horse that the vet couldn't sedate enough to float his teeth without him backing out of the breakaway halter multiple times. He'd almost end up on his butt. It must've taken her about an hour and a half to float his teeth.

[@anniesyed8188]

My grandfather was floating in air for about one and half hour when his horse bite on his face, he recovered with 34 stitches on his face, so no one can judge animal mind, our pet bufflo threw my elder brother in air for nothing.

[@jessepitt]

I once got my teeth knocked through my lip by a horse who I’d had for 26 years. He loved me as much as a horse can but accidents still happen.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Well said. Accidents do happen. What is important us to do our best to avoid them though sometimes that proves impossible. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@belindavicarey9331]

At 8 years old i went riding in the new forest someone opened the gate for us and his dog spooked the horses i fell off my front tooth went threw my bottom lip

[@deanwitt7903]

No your horse didn’t love you . They don’t know what love is . If he loved you did it show great concern for you after it sent your teeth through your lip where they shouldn’t be ? When you believe your horse loves you then you are in a very dangerous place with it because as you experienced it’s really just 600kg of unpredictability that you needs to keep reminding yourself of in order to be safe rather than conjuring up feelings of love .

[@vernonfrance2974]

@@deanwitt7903 Were you there?

[@elleapps5350]

@@deanwitt7903 Hi there I have disabilities and In a wheelchair my horse love's me, he knows when I'm having a bad day... He come's up to me in my chair and will put he's own head on my back and pull me closer to him, as I'm sad and in tears... And stands at my side and just¹hugs me, and I mean just like a human. They definitely know what love is 100%.. Horse also have feelings just like you and I, they love everything we love, for example we humans like to be touched so do horses, we love having showers so do horses.. Yes anyone that owns a horse should be aware that thing might happen no different in driving a car people drink drive , and speed, it's common sense.... And I'm saying this in a nice way, Any rider that doesn't wear a helmet or a back and chest protective vest are damn idiots in my eye's... I was thrown 6 feet in the air many year's ago, and came down on my head and air lifted to a hospital that treat's spinal injuries and head injuries.... And the doctors asked me if I was wearing a helmet and a back and chest protective vest and I replied yes and I'm a dressage rider. He said that's what saved my life.. In Australia in any horse riding events you must wear them. And in some states it illegal not to wear them you can be fined by police.... There to help a rider in an accident , and no thats not why I'm in a wheelchair......

[@theresemalmberg955]

My great-grandfather was a farrier/blacksmith. My grandfather used to help him out when he was a boy by holding horses while they were shod. Occasionally a customer would come into the shop wanting to hold his own horse. Grampa said that his father would tell him, "If you hold the horse, you will be thinking about the horse. If my little boy holds the horse, he will be thinking about me at the other end." And Grampa would hold the horse. Grampa's favorite mantra was "Never trust a horse." He knew firsthand how unpredictable they could be and how quickly they could act.

[@pcka12]

Dangerous at both ends & uncomfortable in the middle! Horses take deep understanding!

[@hicx8734]

Getting headbutted has been some of my worst injuries thankfully. Anytime you mess with green horses that aren’t yours, the danger seems to go up dramatically.😅

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Well said and very true. Thank you for your comment and thank you for watching.

[@anitamcginnis8028]

What do you mean by headbutted? I (completely green) was once visiting a beautiful horse and it began to push my back with its head. I thought it was being friendly. No problem but... was that okay? Don't laugh at the question.

[@hicx8734]

@@anitamcginnis8028 I don’t honestly know but I’ve always been taught to not let them do that. But what I meant was sometimes in the past I have stood too close to them when I should’ve been more cautious.

[@anitamcginnis8028]

@@hicx8734 Thanks, I like horses, was never able to be around them. I am learning a lot though, by watching you tube videos and reading comments from people who have lived around them. Thank you. (I was once on a runaway horse (both the horse and I were young then) I had learned from a book to pull a rein strongly to one side, held on for life and the critter finally went in a circle and stopped. Funny what a strong impression a horse can make on you...

[@Niki-xr6cw]

Ha ha same here ,mainly from green horses being groomed ,but from a young 16 hand draft ,that one hell of playful headbut ,,it seems youngsters think it’s affectionate like butting the backside of field mate to initiate play,same with young bum bitters 😂,it doesn’t seem malicious,it’s just like when they stand nose to tale nibble grooming each other 😂😂😂had teeth marks on bum a few times . As time passes they learn better manners. Horses are awesome,but,even physical affection from them them can damn well hurt.

[@danw6014]

You can't take anything for granted. A good friend of mine narrowly escaped a rattlesnake. Fortunately she was a hell of a rider and the Morgan she was riding was rock solid. The horse stepped on the snake and held it's foot on the snakes head until it stopped moving. There was a one in a million chances that situation worked out. It was her lucky day. My thoroughbred mare is another horse that I know I have to be extremely careful with. She can go from relaxed and quiet to about ready to crawl out of her own skin. You can't take her for granted. You climb on her back and you have entered up. It is a risk I chose to take knowing it could be the last thing I ever do. Dieing doesn't scare me. Getting permanently incapacitated does. She's a sweet mare with a kind soul. She just gets lost.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

So true. Horses seldom mean us harm. We just have to be careful that they don’t inflict harm accidentally. Sounds like you’re doing a good job and best wishes for your future.

[@cxengel]

Thank you for the reminders. Yellowjackets are my worst fear!

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching. You are right. Yellow jackets are a wild card. You can never be quite sure where and when you’re on the counter though and it’s never pleasant. Be safe out there.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Sorry for the unedited response. Should’ve said you will never know when you will encounter them.

[@ltrocha]

Thank you for this video. Unfortunately, few people will take it to heart. I've had students who I tried to warn but they wouldn't listen. None of them died but every one of them ended up in the hospital emergency room. Even though I'm a professional trainer and super cautious, there are many times I should have been injured or dead. Horses can be very dangerous, yet many people view them as nothing more than a big, friendly dog.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Larry, thank you so much for your kind comment. I couldn’t agree more. Confusing horses with dogs is a lethal mistake. Thank you for pointing it out. By the way, I’ve enjoyed your videos for years. Thank you for providing so much useful and informative comment.

[@sharoncurran2422]

78 year old female trainer here with also a lifetime with horses. Still at it…..used much “horse sense” through the years but don’t discount that good luck and maybe angels watching have been with me. Grateful to have been so fortunate (thus far) and able to enjoy my life passion with the horses I so love, but also respect. The other wonderful aspect of having an equine career has been the wonderful people it has brought into my life including people like yourself who put information out there for others to gain from. Thank you.❤

[@sharoncurran2422]

PS……Everybody wears a helmet at my barn or they don’t ride. My barn, my rules! 😊

[@joannemurdock7899]

​@@sharoncurran2422 good Rule

[@rlrieth]

Thank you for sharing these tragic stories. They are sobering to listen to. Helmets are uncomfortable, make my head sweat, look ridiculous, bulky and I hate them, but I never ride without one. I know how easy it is to get a head injury and while a helmet isn’t a fail safe, it will help. At 68 I’m considering getting one of those inflating vests as well. My horses are old but still powerful. I rode in the ambulance with a friend that was thrown from her horse with a head injury. The doctor that attended her told me horse people were the most stubborn patients he had and the medical profession considers people that ride without helmets to be foolish (he actually used a stronger term).

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your comment. Glad to hear you’re being safe out there. Helmets are a personal choice but certainly are never the wrong decision.

[@sanniepstein4835]

I had a concussion with a helmet, hitting a boulder. Without it I might have died.

[@barbarapaine8054]

I’d strongly encourage the vest. I’m in my 60”s, and just started riding again. I went on a trail ride on a rented horse. It was a walking ride, supposed to be a dead quiet horse, and I am at an advanced beginner level. A moron who wasn’t supposed to be there let his small dogs run around on the trail. My horse shied violently, and I went right off. I hit the ground flat on my back, and since I have a very bad back, remember thinking “this is not good”. F Fortunately nothing broke, although I was so sore, I couldn’t sleep comfortably for a few weeks. Our bones are not what they used to be, so an eventing vest might not be a bad idea.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

From Augie Augburn on Facebook: "Thank you Herm for a video that makes one think of life's risks and how we as horse lovers have to decide if we are willing to accept the horse related risks. I was a pilot for many years and currently ride motorcycles and horses. At 79 years I enter into these activities because I want to live life to it's fullest but I always use as much caution and common sense as possible. Situational awareness helps but we can't always ensure the outcome of our actions."

[@suzannebenz8928]

My Dad trained horses. He taught us to stay back, while he was working with a horse. He always said caring for horse activity requires"'keen" alertness....and that in order to work with a horse, that person must" know more than the horse"!

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your thoughts. Amen to alertness. It saves lives.

[@eloisebush4595]

I was riding with a friend on one of her horses.i was inexperienced & we stepped down into a ditch ,bare back.i slid off underneath the horse froze ,leg up.he could have stepped on me.what a great horse.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your comment I’m glad that you came out of that wreck OK.

[@ashlynhaahr]

About 5 months ago i was in a horrible horseback accident where i got thrown into a metal fence, after i lost full control going at full speed. My horse wouldnt listen to my cues to stopor slow down, and i got a horrible concussion and horrible brusies. If i wasnt in a helmet i wouldve died. Im dearly sorry about whats happened to your friends. I hope that you will heal from all of those losses!

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for sharing your recent bad experience with all of us. I am glad to hear that you came through without life threatening injuries. Hope you keep riding and wish you the very best of luck.

[@audreyneubuhr4231]

That is so tragic. I was raised with horses - had a pony at five years old. My Dad raised thoroughbreds and raced them on local bush tracks. I rode them from 11 - 17 years old. I had one bad accident. Dad had put a silk blanket under the jockey saddle. When I shifted my weight to look back in the race the saddle turned under the horse. One foot caught in stirrup and drug for quite a distance. Lucky I didn't get my head kicked - another rider tried to grab the bridle - my horse lunged back - enough to release my foot from the stirrup. So thankful - think I was 15 at the time.

[@audreyneubuhr4231]

@@ngc4486diane yes - you are right. I haven't ridden in years. Recently I bought the book The Horse God Built, Secretariet. So good.

[@tamielynne7374]

I'm glad you weren't severely hurt, and that you ended up being alright. I almost had an accident happen with a saddle. My dad had the horse on a lead, and then he began running with Alex (the horse) and the saddle began tilting making me almost fall off. I was petrified! As I had never rode Alex before and was new to riding altogether. My dad's friend had let me groom and ride him.

[@audreyneubuhr4231]

@@tamielynne7374 Dad bought us a Shetland pony when I was 5. He wasn't trusted. He'd bite the bit and run as hard as he could. When I look back and count how many friends and acquaintances were killed on quads, cars and skidoos there are way more than anyone killed on a horse. I don't know one. Like anything it is a risk - Dad raised our thoroughbreds - I never did like rising an unknown horse. Glad your experience wasn't worse.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Sounds like a near miss. Glad everything turned out all right. Hope you’re still riding. Be safe, but enjoy. Thanks for watching.

[@auroraborealis6009]

@@ngc4486diane I always tighten my girl's girth in increments. She gets angry if I tighten it too much too soon. I know I wouldn't like having something pulled tight around me all at once.

[@sometimessiri.8559]

Yvonne from the YT channel Friesian horses was hurt last year in a riding accident at the stable she works for. Thankfully she was wearing a helmet but the head injury was severe enough that she ended up in a coma for a few weeks and her recovery is still ongoing. She got lucky and is VERY experienced with the horses she works with which proves accidents can happen without warning even to well trained horsed and their riders - regardless of skill level.

[@audreymuzingo933]

I've been following her channel too, kinda hard not to when every upload is such incredible eye candy (I lovvvvvve Fresians, LOL). But man, what a horrible scare and slow return to normal that family has had to go through, all from a split-second incident that even the most cautious person can't really prepare for.

[@barbarapatten2603]

@Sometimes Siri - yes, I just saw her program today. Yvonne is a beautiful person, and we all love her. I believe we were all praying for her as she was hospitalized and rehabilitated. She's a great mom, has a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful sons. I'm amazed at her progress, but also struck by how serious a horse rider's head injury can be.

[@rdred8693]

@@barbarapatten2603 Not impressed with her.

[@jlf1309]

Thank you so much sir for sharing this video. I also had a friend who was a very professional barrel racer. Between events she was riding at a walk with a new horse that she just bought. For some unknown reason this horse at a walk reared up and flipped over crushing her skull. Beautiful young woman. Sometimes we forget just how powerful horses can be.

[@grandmarie7638]

When I was a 9 year old girl filled with the love of horses I was riding a huge American Saddlebred alone on a path in woods surrounding a lake in TN. Little girl's best dream! She blew, girth loosened, saddle slipped, and me with it. Total accident. I lay there, stunned but Pops simply stood over me waiting for me to move. #1 blessing. Next one happened 40 years later when trail riding in the VA mountains. My horse scraped me off using a tree and uphill. I rolled a good 15 feet before another large tree stopped my downhill progress. Neither time was I wearing a helmet. #2 blessing. I'm in my 70's now and looking back I could have died at least twice. Your message rings loud and clear. I no longer ride but you can bet none of my grandchildren will ever sit a horse without a helmet! Sad you lost your friends but much gratitude you shared those stories. Take care.

[@rebeccachurch5200]

Riding since I was a kid and never wore a helmet until I started jumping. Thank god for it because I landed on my head many times.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. As to your grandchildren I completely agree. Keep them safe but get them horseback. Kids involved with horses seldom get into much trouble. They’re too darn tired. Good luck with the rest of your journey.

[@kevintengvall4642]

That was a really valuable video, thanks mate, well said and well reasoned and non judgemental which is like a breath of fresh air amongst horse people I think. sorry for your loss of five friends. That really sucks.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for your kind thoughts and your comment. I especially appreciate the fact that you understand my decision to not pass judgment on the people who have lost their lives. Nonetheless I do think that there is a lesson in the things that were or were not done in each case. Hopefully that will be useful in keeping someone safe, maybe even you. I certainly hope so. Again, thank you very much for listening and commenting.

[@franklinpugh4432]

There's great value in this video. I come from a family of ranching and cowboys. I'm proud to say. I make no pretense of being a skilled rider myself. Though I was taught by one of the greats. My Uncle, Kenny Pugh Sr. (you might know of him), I was 15, it was the summer of 1968. My twin brother and I spent the summer at his horse training facility in King City, CA. I learned a lot of valuable lessons that summer. The biggest lesson was how not to piss off our Uncle. Which we seemed to do quite regularly. But, I digress, how my story relates to yours, is how I learned to respect the horse and what they are capable of. I made the huge mistake of letting my brother saddle the horse I was to ride. I took this young horse into a small circular sandy chain linked arena, to work him around it. Because of all the riding in this arena and being circular and sandy, it sloped from the outside of the arena down to the inside 😮center. So that when you are doing your laps around the arena the horse is tilted or leaning from foot to head inward. My brother didn't cinche up the cinch strap properly. Yep, saddle slid right down the side of that horse with me in it with my boots caught inside the stirrups. I was trying my best not to get stomped or kicked by a hoof. No helmet, not even a hat that day. I still remember seeing my fingers grabbing at the sand trying to get free, and the sand just going between my fingers. It got worse, next thing I know I'm under the horse, got my hands and arms around my head trying to protect myself but at that moment I made the decision that I had to get myself out of this situation. So I reached out and grabbed that chain link. I got yanked out of that saddle so fast that two things happened. The first, horse went right over me without striking me. The second, was that was the first shoulder injury of many too come. In fact, I had shoulder joint replacement this past November. I agree with you that protection, safety and respecting a 2000 lb animal and being always alert is key.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Great thoughts and educational experiences. Maybe others can learn from your hard knocks. Thank you for sharing.

[@belindavicarey9331]

When i was about 19 i was a groom for a young girl who was about 16 had working hunters and eventers would go to all the top shows events, i worked there for a couple of years she lived not far from me, she was a good friend and i would pick her up from school at the end of the week. about 15 years later my husband brought the newspaper home i opened it and there was her photo at a horse trails in scotland she had fallen at a fence and the horse fell onto her she died she was 30, a vet and was going to the olympics. It hit me hard i still think of her. I found some old photos the other day and the page of the news paper very sad, 22nd august 1999 is a date i will never forget.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for your comment. Yours is one of many stories that prove life with horses can be dangerous. All the same there are dangerous in other pursuits as well. Best advice is follow your heart and be careful.

[@macpduff2119]

Yvonne from Freisan Horses channel, was thrown last year while riding, and in a coma for weeks. Her family didn't know that she was unconscious in the ring, until her horse returned to the barn without her. She is a mother of two pre school boys. She survived barely, but is brain injured and sleeps half each day. Sad and tragic.

[@josiemainecoon]

Luckily she was wearing her riding hat, but it was badly cracked, so i'm thinking the horse may have stood on her head as she was riding in a sand arena, but she is very lucky to be alive! 😀

[@judylee3589]

I'm so sorry for your losses and I can only imagine how hard this was to make. May they all R.I.P. and may every horse rider pay attention to this video and learn. Thank you for sharing.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks babe, and thanks for watching. You are right. Making this video was hard, sort of like opening a vein. On the other hand, I’m glad I did it and appreciate all the responses. Hope you keep watching.

[@Cjohns958]

Lost my workmate of 15 years last September when a kid on a bike spooked her horse. She came off the side and hit the ground on her head and neck. So so heartbreaking..I miss her everyday. 48 and such a great lady. A helmet may have saved her but we will never know.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing this painful memory.

[@wakranich3488]

A guy in a sports car came up behind my ex-racehorse & tried to "bump" him as we're walking down the street. Long story short my horse sat down on the front of his car!! The guy gets out & says get your horse off my car. I said if my horse is hurt from this I hope you can run fast. My horse was fine. It could of been bad..idiot.

[@rdred8693]

@@wakranich3488 What the blazes?!! I had a biker deliberately trying to scare my horse near a road

[@mikyl-fo8rh]

Tip of the day: Don't walk within 5' behind any horse. You can also always walk around the front to get to the other side.

[@PersonalTriumph2022]

I don’t know why people insist on walking behind horses ! There is no need unless it’s some medical issue.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your comment. I agree, at least partly. There are times when you simply must walk behind the horse. If you do that, stay close. Otherwise stay clear. I appreciate your thoughts and thank you for watching.

[@KaityWebster]

I’ve been working with horses since I was 15 and I have had some close calls and thank God I’m still here but they taught me a lot. I think it’s important to talk about accidents and things we’ve messed up on to learn from. Thanks for making this video. I subscribed. And I agree with you on the helmets. They can also give a fake sense of security and invisibility.

[@patlongworth5998]

Thank you for sharing 🙂 Being a long time horse owner, trainer manager, equitation show & trail rider you're correct in accidents happening unexpected surprises resulting in fatalities.

[@jamesmckelvey1232]

Just came across your video for the first time, and even though I’m not a horse person, I find this heart felt caution to people who do have horses excellent! I ride a motorcycle, even though it’s fun, there is no relaxing at anytime! Godspeed Herm!

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks and be careful out there.

[@Kk-ln1nm]

Thank you so much for sharing along with all your kindness and support for the individuals who paid the ultimate. I send prayers for all of their families and everyone in the sport. Thank you ❤

[@johnward8064]

I appreciate you making this video. Most horse people refuse to talk about these things. We need to know the reality.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your comment. This video was, indeed, intended to be a wake up call. Nonetheless, it was certainly not intended to turn people away from horses. Do what you’re doing, but do it carefully and things should turn out better, all around. Again, thank you for your thoughts.

[@mrstowner]

Great video..I am 58 yrs old, live in new Zealand..a lifetime with horses..every single day I am aware they are flight animals..and the dangers..I have suffered a broke leg, landed on my feet and a few concussions, with a helmet, always, racehorses. I even survived cancer, and horses helped me to. I love horses dearly and dread the day when i can no longer ride or have them..they are my heart..I never take them for granted and get told I am TOO cautious. One thing I know is those 5 friends died doing what they loved the most..RIP

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Great to hear from New Zealand. I’m glad that your experiences haven’t scared you off horses. Good for you. Between you and me, I would make the same choice. Good luck and keep saddling up.

[@linkridgeshelties7413]

Wow, this video hit home… I too have lost many friends. I rode show jumpers for a good part of my life and was very aware of the risk of crashes etc… but that was rarely the cause of the worst injuries. It was the safe reliable horse that tripped on a trail ride, it was the experienced horsewoman fixing a blanket in a stall, it was the horse hauler who went into the trailer for some reason we’ll never know, the young horse that spooked , reared and flipped over… horses are incredibly dangerous. As for helmets, in the English world they have became the norm. The fact that dressage riders must now wear them but bronc riders to not seems absurd to me… I think it starts with children, make them cool, make them comfortable and necessary. It’s the old guys that are hard to convince but the next generation we can help. Look at hockey, none of them wore helmets not that long ago but it would seem crazy to not wear one now. There’s hope… Thanks for making this video, horses are wonderful but they are romanticized and these topics are rarely discussed. Be aware, be careful and no horse is 100% trustworthy.

[@veneraberens2547]

THANKYOU FOR SHARING THESE PAINFUL MEMORIES OF REALITY I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSSES

[@thereseember2800]

I’m so sorry that these 5 dear people lost their lives. It’s heart-breaking. My friend owned a Morgan horse ranch & trained me for 8 years to care for them. She was very strict with me because she didn’t want me to get hurt. Fortunately, I never got hurt but I’d heard horror stories about horse people she knew. One wayward horse grabbed its owner’s head in its mouth & he died. It happened so fast out of nowhere. I did learn that in frisky or windy weather, horses act much more unpredictably.

[@justinanovak8040]

A friend ended up losing their lower leg in a horse accident….now an adult amputee. They still love horses, raised their kids with a love for horses. Things can go sideways sooo quickly. Thank you for sharing and opening the important dialog about helmets.

[@kevinmalloy2180]

Thanks for this sensitive and helpful discussion. At 68, in good physical shape, I’ve just started Western riding lessons in the last two years. I’ve found I love simply being around horses but I realize riding (and being near) horses is hazardous. (I also fly a small antique airplane, another inherently dangerous avocation-but I love the fun and challenge of flying.) At my age, since my sons are grown and my wife will be financially fine if I get killed, I keep flying and hope to keep riding. In both undertakings my approach is: very thoroughly thinking through-indeed studying-failure modes, i.e., actively reducing as much of the risk that I can, and accepting what risk remains. I wear a helmet while riding and training. On trailrides out West I do wear a cowboy hat. I accept the added risk of feeling the cowboy spirit. Thanks again, this was helpful in my understanding failure modes with horses, so it will help me stay safe.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your comment. I like your approach. Do dangerous things and careful way. That actually let you both accept and, to a degree, savor the risk. Keep saddling up. Be safe. Be well.

[@edwardfrawley4345]

Hello Herm I’m Eddie F. I’m an old city guy and never been around horses. I love horses but scared out of my socks of them. Thanks so much for replying to my comments. Keep up with your great videos! About all I can do at my age is surf the KZbin sea. It’s very enjoyable 👍🏻😎

[@treeman5263]

The first story is almost exactly what I did when I was 13 or 14 with the exception that my mom was there and the horse I was riding was broke and didn’t kick me but it very well could’ve I learned that day to tighten my cinch better. That just shows how we can be in a very dangerous situation and not realize it do it again and that get hurt. Thank you for sharing your wisdom sir I appreciate it and learned from it thanks.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Glad things turned out all right for you. We all learn from close calls. Glad you learned the lesson and moved on. I’ve done the same during the time I spent with horses and hope to continue learning into the future as well. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@NatureRocks.]

I'm sorry for the loss of your friends and thank you for sharing this, it is certainly information to learn from.

[@curiousone6129]

So sorry for the loss of your friends. Love horses and grew up riding my own in suburb of Washington D.C. in the 60's while it was still wooded. Its still a wonder to me we lived through some of the careless and crazy things we did , but I enjoyed every minute of my childhood with my horse. I recall being about 10 yrs old and riding along a railroad track in the woods. In one spot beside the path, there was a very steep incline on one side of the tracks and a dangerous downward grade on the other. Never expected that a train would come along before we could get away from that spot. A very fast movingfreight train did catch us there. Very little clearance between the tracks and the little path we were following. My horse had never seen a train before, and we were both trembling scared. I realized we had nowhere to go and would have to stand on the path, as the train went past us. I reigned my horse in and turned his back to the train, talking to him and stroking him, hoping to keep him calm, as the train barreled past us. At the last minute, as the train was almost past, my horse decided to try to get away by climbing the extremely steep slope beside us. This was mostly loose dirt and ground cover, so for every lunge he took trying to climb the hill, he would slide half the distance back down towards the track. I was afraid my horseshit topple backwards and land on top of me, so I slid out of the saddle and just stood beside him holding the reins,, as he struggled to go back down the hill to the safety of the path. We both made it back down safely by the grace of God, who looks after children, animals, and stupid people. I could tell other unintentionally dangerous adventures we had over the years, but I'll just say I was a very lucky child with a very lucky horse. Never repeated the same mistakes, but there were so many new mistakes to make! Yes, horses can be dangerous without meaning to hurt anyone, but so can people. Always remember you are their caregiver and responsible for them. Stopped riding years ago due to a bad back, but still love horses. BTW, you now have a new sub. I look forward to the ride! The end of the train finally went past us, my horse stopped trying to get up the hill, and both of us began to calm down.

[@donnahedrick7578]

Thank You for sharing these painful experiences.They definitely will help people.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your kind thoughts. I certainly hope this video does help keep someone safe.

[@cynthiastanfordsuppon5761]

Wow, what a valuable lesson, told so very well. I follow an equestrian named Yvonne from the Netherlands, who shares her work world with Friesian horses on KZbin. Last June, while riding in an indoor arena, something she's done for years, something happened, she was found unconscious. She had been wearing a helmet (never rides without) she was airlifted to the hospital, where she laid in a coma for over a week. Her husband had been told she might not make it, and then they had a miracle and she woke up. She can't remember the accident, but the helmet, though damaged may have kept her from dying. She's still not 100% but she's a tough young woman and she periodically shares, in non-complaining, educational ways, how she is doing both mentally, and physically. I love the fact that many like yourself and Yvonne, use youtube for what I consider to be the right/best reasons...education along with enjoyment.

[@katherineburton1766]

I appreciate you sharing your stories with us. Many people (myself included) can get complacent with our horses and figure "My horse would never hurt me." And maybe you can get away with that for a while, but it will always catch up with you in one way or another. I have had my share of injuries, and they were always my fault, not the horse's. I don't ride right now, but as you showed, catastrophic injuries can happen on the ground as easily as in the saddle. I am also very glad that you did not pick these stories apart, trying to find a way that the injury could be avoided. These people don't deserve that. Again, thank you for sharing your stories, and letting us learn from them.

[@LisaFirestone]

Hearing your disclaimer, and hearing you withholding judgment, just sharing the facts...I am deeply appreciating the care and intention of your message.... delivered with integrity and respect. Thank you

[@countrygirl9259]

Thank you sir for this video. A tragedy can be only moments away. I am sorry for the loss of your friends. God bless them, you and all horses and riders.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for your comment. You are absolutely right about how quickly things can develop when working around horses. Thank you for watching.

[@lynnfarley7859]

I was so reckless as a teenager - many accidents. So thankful I didn't experience this. So sorry about your people. This is a good wake up call. Thank you.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

You are so right. So many of us, myself included, dodged so many bullets…

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

From Kathleen Waltemire on Facebook: "Very well spoken. Hope to always be your friend on the top side of the grass"

[@1gordyd]

Dear Herm, Thank you for speaking on the subject of losing friends in riding accidents. You did a wonderful, sympathetic, and touching presentation. As a young mother 35 years ago, I taught Sunday school at my church with a slightly older woman who was an experienced horsewoman and who was active in the 4 H with her 2 lovely daughters. The family had a few horses the girls rode in 4H horse shows. My friend was exercising her daughter's horse that day at a 4H show when the accident happened. I was told that someone was collecting aluminum cans in a trash bag, and the horse spooked, and she fell off, landing on her face. She lived a few days, but never regained consciousness. I have never forgotten her tragic death, and cannot imagine the loss her family had to deal with, especially those 2 young daughters. I also was a rider then and for a lifetime afterward; there but for the grace of God, it could have been myself.

[@patriciarecklet3168]

All head traumas.... regardless if on or off the horse. So tragic. Thanks for sharing

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

I agree. Head injuries are terrible, regardless of the cars. Hopefully we can all get through our riding careers and our lives without that experience. Thank you for your thoughts.

[@Animal_lover123-x7w]

Thank you. ⭐️ That was such a humble and thoughtful public service announcement. You are a very special person with a tremendous heart.

[@darrelleddington7948]

This is the first time that I've heard of you, and yet with a very heart felt and poignant message. I have now subscribed to your channel because of YOU! I am a farrier and I too have lost a very dear friend/ client to a horse accident. Likewise, I have been involved in a few situations that could have been catastrophic for me. Thank Heavens they weren't!

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your comment. I have always thought that horseshoeing was the hardest work known to man. Dangerous, too. Glad to hear you’ve come through a long career well. I suspect it was an all luck. Good job.

[@tracyroot9578]

Thanks for the reminder. I just happened upon your channel and am a new subscriber. I get too comfortable around the horses sometimes and as a 58 year old rider I have to definitely be more aware-yes these accidents happen within seconds. I do always wear a helmet but you are so right….helmets wouldn’t help with some of the accidents. I’m very sorry for the loss of your friends.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your comment and your thoughts. Keep riding keep enjoying and keep safe.

[@raven556]

I'm only 30 years old and I lost some people due to freak riding accidents. One of whom is alive but paralyzed from the shoulders down. I always stress helmets. My friend who is paralyzed was paralyzed by her own horse of 12 years. She was riding Prix St George dressage and training babies. She went out on a hack and her horse came back without her. It was bizarre. So we went out to find her. She doesn't recall what happened. I remember that day so vividly. Another I lost because the horse reared up and over and smashed them into a concrete wall crushing and killing her, the horse hit his head on the wall just right to kill it. Yeah. Freak accidents.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Very sad. You are absolutely right and sometimes you could do nothing wrong and that things can go seriously awry. Sorry to hear about your friend. Best wishes to you in the future.

[@exploringlife738]

I can relate to the woman who felt obliged to jump her horse in the wrong place, wrong way, and wrong time. Be very careful who you choose to ride with or for! I owned a very nice gelding for 3 years in my teens and never experienced danger until "barn friends" where he was boarded wanted to take us on a winter ride. Instead of a quiet ride through the snowy woods they headed out to a country highway and chose to head right down a very steep hill frequented by semis and covered with ice, on a road shoulder with a steep drop-off on the side. My horse was reliable, but skittish with semi trucks barreling a few feet beside him, so fortunately I just turned him around a few yards down that hill and refused to continue. Took a lot of heat for that, but sure enough by the time I got back to the barn there were semis heading down that same hill. We moved my horse to another site for boarding after that, and the owner's teenage kids would occasionally ride the horses to keep them exercised. One weekend they offered to take a few of us out for a trail ride and on the way back one of them came up behind to "encourage" my horse to make better speed on the trot (more slow than go) by whipping his rear with the ends of their reins ... it so disturbed him that he took the bit and galloped so hard and fast I could not stop him. After they chased us down and got him to stop, they decided to take an unfamiliar short-cut back to the barn ... bit right down yet another very steep incline. Again, not something he was used to and so steep that I had a hard time leaning back enough in the saddle to help him out. He got so uncomfortable that he bucked me off (a first for him). Got the wind knocked out of me, and my fellow riders just laughed. Sold my dear horse after that and determined never to own one again unless I had my own place to keep and maintain them. Follow your gut, no matter how much "friendly" pressure comes your way.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for sharing your story in your thoughts. Riding with foolish companions can put you in a bad situation, that’s for sure. Be careful out there.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

your fellow riders were idiots

[@dshe8637]

Thank you so much for this. There are lots of people on KZbin who like to delude themselves that nothing will happen to them and when things go wrong they ridicule others. Your accounts are realistic and useful. Horses are unpredictable. We need to take every care. I'm a helmet wearer. Thank you also for not judging and being mean.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for your kind thoughts. Your comments are welcome and thank you for watching.

[@ts694]

These are sad stories and I feel for all the people and their families. However, what is life without risk? We could all stay indoors and watch TV and be less likely to suffer injuries. I personally think it is worth the risk to do invigorating things that charm your soul. Do what you can to be safe, but don’t let safety ruin your life. Thanks for the video.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

I completely agree that risk is the spice of life. However, irresponsible risk can turn poisonous. The trick is knowing the difference. Thanks for your thoughts and thanks for watching.

[@kaydonahue]

As a seventh grader, a mistakenly tried to make friends with very mean girls. So glad I caught onto their cruel games, that were so damaging. They wanted me to pay them to have horse back riding lessons. I said, "No, Thanks!" "Thank God!" No telling what they would have done to me.

[@martylesnick2032]

Very important subject and thank you for telling these very sad stories. Riding horses is right up there with skydiving as far as dangerous sports for the average person. Started riding at 12 years old now 73 and time to put my saddle up. Kicked in the ribs by a yearling and cracked a couple ribs. Loping a horse and he stepped in an old post hole and broke a wrist in my early 20s. I have been lucky no serious injuries. I always have worked hard to prepare my horses before riding but like the wasp incident, anything can happen. When you put your foot in that stirrup you really have a 1000 lbs of dynamite under you. When your on a horse you can have no doubt, if you do your chances of getting hurt can happen so quickly. Emergency Dr. said how many injuries he sees from horseback riding, and a helmet could save so many people. I only wore when I rode huntseat. I wear my cowboy hat everyday, like you its our hat. Now I wear a Hell hat. SUsan

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts in your story. It sounds like you’ve had a very satisfying life with horses and I’ve made the reasonable choice to retire at this point. Glad you had such a good run and best wishes for your future.

[@yavonmiller8064]

Iam sorry for your loss sir. Gratitude for your share

[@maryl1833]

Horses are a flight animal. If something scares them badly enough, they will run right over you trying to get away. I always felt safer ‘up top’ for that reason, but had some close calls up there too. My condolences to you and the families.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for your comment. You are absolutely correct in your observations. In fact I believe there are some horses where the safest place around is on their back. It’s also a lot more fun up there. Hope you keep enjoying.

[@jennifercanfield6271]

you are so kind to share this.

[@audreymuzingo933]

I'll never forget when we had a substitute teacher for several days in 5th grade and then when our actual teacher came back she had to speak through her wired-shut teeth. Her horse, who she said was an absolute sweetheart, simply gave his head a little toss while she was standing in front of him, and his muzzle hit her jaw and snapped it clean apart. I was a city girl who always wanted a horse and never have had one, but just seeing what my teacher went through made me realize it might not be the blissful fantasy I had in mind, like they're just SO HUGE they can hurt you terribly without even being angry or scared.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

You’re right, not a blissful fantasy. But horses can be a wonderful reality. You just need to know the difference. Sounds like you figured that out.

[@audreymuzingo933]

@@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses Nowadays I think I have the sense that really knowing and working with a horse would be even better than the 'My Little Pony' mane-brushing picture I had as a kid. But the cost, oh boy, and I've seen too many horror stories of people who think they can afford it but then it turns out they can't.

[@moonsmilk333]

@@audreymuzingo933 you can enjoy horses with lessons and part-boarding without having to commit to having your own

[@audreymuzingo933]

@@moonsmilk333 I know, but just me personally, I wouldn't enjoy that very much. I would like to be the person who gets up in the morning and walks to the barn with my coffee, to see my horse(s), take care of them myself, and ride whenever I feel like it. The pie in the sky would be to buy a pregnant mare and raise and train the foal "from scratch." The idea of having scheduled appointments to drive somewhere and ride other people's horses, or even my own but only on their land, that just doesn't appeal to me.

[@moonsmilk333]

@@audreymuzingo933 I prefer it to being entirely horse-less and want to keep my skills up for my future, but that's just me

[@brianmarshall3931]

I lost 2 friends many many years ago, when I was a trainer & horseshoer... it happens and it was never a vindictive animal... One was a horse who reared up, lost his balance and fell over backwards. The saddlehorn went into her chest. The other was trying to calm a horse by getting into the empty stall of the trailer alongside the horse... no one saw exactly how it happened. We did hear the ruckus - but it was over by the time we got there...

[@jennifersherman8838]

Thank you, so much, for sharing these sad stories. It was very emotional for you, understandably. By the last one, my eyes were filling with tears. The way you described each incident was so clear and easy to picture. You are extremely wise. I guess that many riders, I rode many years ago, have close calls or do get injured or killed. I was injured once, broken finger - looking back, the situation could have been avoided, and, yes, I do blame the people who were instructing me to load a horse in a trailer. It was not the horses fault in the least, poor thing.I was given inaccurate instructions. Before this, the sweet horse and I got along wonderfully. Thank you, again. Please be careful, as you have been. Jennifer

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for your comment. I agree that it is often true that bad advice leads to bad decision making. Looks like you got past that. Hope you’ve continued to enjoy horses later in life, as well.

[@karenmiller129]

Gosh this really struck a nerve with me. As a young child i used to ride my first horse all around our property in a halter bareback. He'd stop whenever he wanted to and id go flying over his head onto the ground usually head first. Ive since been thrown off many horses in many scenarios helmets and no helmets. Ive had 5 serious concussions with memory loss and hospitalisation. Ive been kicked and struck by horses heads in my head. Boy do i feel blessed to still be here. I dont judge any of the 5 scenarios youve talked about as i know how easoly it could have been me. Thank you for sharing 🙏💖

[@barbarapaine8054]

I’m an avid bicyclist who just started riding horses again. Three cyclists in my community have died in the past year- none of them were doing anything wrong- one was hit by a drunk driver at a trail crossing, the other two were hit from behind by drivers not paying attention. My point I guess, is that all you can do with bikes, or horses, or anything else, is do your best to minimize your risks. Sitting at home all day watching the tube will kill you, too. Just more slowly.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

My sentiments exactly. Not taking part isn’t an option. Not being careful isn’t an option either.Stay safe on your bike. To tell the truth they scare the hell out of me given the drivers out there these days. I’m sure you’ll saddle up anyway and head up on the roads. Enjoy it, be safe, be well.

[@oz-kr5vu]

"Let's not concentrate on what we can get away with, but in what we should do." Sounds like good advice for every aspect of life, imho. Ty for sharing, I'm sure this was crazy hard to recount, but I'm sure you look back at these instances a lot....

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

You are absolutely right this is a hard video to make. It is also the video I’m probably gladdest that I made. If it keeps one person safer than I’ve accomplished something. Again, thank you so much for your comments.

[@marleneeisnor9719]

I deeply appreciate you and this video. I always ride with a helmet but realize that there are many ways to get hurt or killed being around or on a horse. I always try and be careful and attentive and always let someone know where I plan to go on a hack.

[@PersonalTriumph2022]

I wear a helmet on the ground too when around horses

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

What you say is totally true and it is great to hear that you’re taking the precautions you are. That certainly improves your odds of having a long enjoyable life with horses. I certainly hope you do.

[@francineherron1940]

Thank you so very much Herm for that most valuable information. I take lessons every two weeks at a therapeutic riding stable. I try to always be aware of the fact that horses are flight animals and because of that accidents can happen. I am so sorry to hear of your friends who died this way, such a tragedy. 😟

[@NCLUSA]

Thank you for making this Real and truthful Video about horses. Any large animal can be dangerous, I had a bull that I raised from a two day old, and I thought of him as a pet, but when he got full grown I had to depart with him because I could see the danger in him. I have family members that think horses are just big dogs, not so.My wife and I took in a homeless horse (the horse was 36 years old), this little horse had a soul, she was the nicest sweetest thing in the world, but one day I was putting down some feed for her and one of our goats spooked her and she jumped and swung her head into my face and almost knocked me out, yes horses can be very dangerous.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for your comment. I agree the best way to get hurt by a horse may be by treating him like a dog.

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

Thanks, Herm, for peeling back the bandages of time on your emotional wounds to warn others of the dangers of owning and riding horses. My horse kicked me in the left knee, breaking it, and broke my foot stomping on it another time. I'm still having knee surgeries nearly fifty years later! Any time you are dealing with animals, you can be hurt, but when the animal weighs hundreds of pounds, you can get hurt really badly and permanently, sometimes fatally! I'm a first time viewer, just had your channel pop up on my feed. I think you are one of the most honest, straightforward people I have seen on KZbin to date, so I became a subscriber, though I do not have a horse and haven't been in a saddle in decades. You don't have to be a horse owner to have horse sense! Regards from the mountains of East Tennessee.

[@frankgonzales2462]

Mr.Gailey thank you so very.much.for this informative video!!! It's about time someone make video about horse accidents!! I myself have been injured several times,had horses fall rear backwards but my worst injury was being drug by a horse broke my back my ribs on left side dislocated left shoulder left knee cap tore. broke ankle. The good Lord saved my life that day thankfully my mom was there and she saved my life!!! The.most gentle horses or any animal can hurt some even just playfully they can hurt you!!! Thanks Sir and God Bless!!🙏🙏🙏

[@rebeccachurch5200]

I had a horse flip with me and narrowly avoided being crushed. However did break both my arms in that fall. A dear friend riding a horse she had for years got spooked and threw her into a wooden fence. She almost died with a fractured skull, broken ribs punctured lung and broken leg.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for sharing your story. We all have had experiences at least somewhat similar to yours if we spend a lot of time around horses. On the other hand, I completely agree with you that rarely does a horse mean to hurt us and in fact it is often remarkable how far they will go out of their way to try to avoid stepping on you or otherwise causing you harm. If horses meant to do bad things they would be completely unsafe and unmanageable. Fortunately,They rarely have bad intentions. Your story points up what can happen in white for a horse is a typical reaction but what for us can be a catastrophe. Hopefully you’ve continued on with horses and find it satisfying. Every sport does, indeed, have risks. Again, thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@careysmith6643]

Good reminder to all horse people! Thank you.

[@stevepool9492]

been training and raising horses for better than 60 years and the one thing that i have learned is that horses can hurt you by accident. they don't mean to you were just in the wrong spot. but it doesn't just appy to horses it apply to all things in life. just enjoy till the end comes

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your thoughts. Very true.

[@normamahon953]

Thank you for sharing your expertise. Greatly appreciated.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for your kind thoughts and thank you for watching. Look forward to your comments in the future, as well.

[@rgould4196]

Hello! First I've seen your channel, it will now be a regular check for me! Very moving video, thank you SO much for sharing, it really makes a person "think". ... I am close to your age, and it seems the older we get, the more we think of our mortality, and such "accidents". Thank you very much for your guidance.🙂

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you for your kind words. Keep enjoying horses and keep staying safe.

[@bluejay3333]

How grateful I’m am to hear these stories. There were 3 times I could have been seriously injured once riding bareback, horse spooked jumped sideways, luckily I landed on my feet. I was 15, my dad read me the riot act and I never did that again.

[@johnfausett3335]

My dad raised and loved horses until his death at 93. I didn't share his affection for these animals and once described them as big dumb dangerous animals. He instantly objected to that description, and responded, "they're not dumb". I have no idea how he avoided being injured because I've seen him in the middle of some potential catastrophes, but he always managed to walk away unscathed.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thank you,. Sounds like your dad had good in stinks and good timing. Both are natural gifts and have real survival value. Glad to hear things turned out well for him.

[@faithdeeter4029]

Wonderful talk. Thank you. Much appreciated.

[@gin.hollan]

Thank you for this timely reminder. As a lot of us gear up for Spring, it can be tempting to just want to get out there and do stuff. 1st thing I'm going to do before I head out again is buy my horse-related life insurance. Right now, actually.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your comment.Buy the insurance but stay safe too!

[@freedommeow]

And a new helmet! 👍🏻🐴