MY SCARIEST RIDE EVER! Bruised rib, confidence knock, was bitless a bad choice?? || Lexi and Ponies

This video is one I wish I didn’t have to make. Me and Belle are both fine, I did bruise my rib when I jumped off my saddle, but Belle is fine. She’s very anxious when we walk past that ditch in hand but we’re working through it. Let me know if you guys want an update. We aren’t back riding yet, still working on getting my confidence back, and hers. We’re getting there though

[@arribaficationwineho32]

You handled that perfectly. No need to remove tack until you get her out. Thank you for sharing your adventure

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you! You bet and you’re so kind! ❤❤

[@colleengosselin4154]

You did great you handled it great maybe next time pull in on the outside rein and steady control with the inside to circle her to slow her it’s works for me..what a mess she got into..and all you want to do is have a nice ride🤣🤣🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ It’s happened to me many of times👍🏻

[@clarekelso7841]

Well done for staying calm. You just never know what will happen with a horse. Glad you’re both okay.

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you🫶

[@AD_barrelracingofficial]

I love how you immediately jumped to Belle and mad Sure she was okay before literally anything else and trying to calm her down

[@aleksa-eq]

🫶 horse comes first *always*

[@sandrakelly6839]

Omg, how terrifying. So glad you are okay. Not sure side pull the problem. I had horses runaway uncontrolled with bits. So scary when they do that.

[@skovdzschitt3230]

You done an amazing job of keeping yourself and your horse calm so you both were kept safe, great work!

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much! I wasn’t expecting to get so many kind comments after posting this; it’s not always easy posting the low parts of riding❤️

[@gabrielletanner5339]

Staying calm, and talking to her nicely, great admiration...

[@kaylaheadley7145]

Hi! I just stumbled across your video. Since not many others have said much about it, I want to say that going bitless is not a problem. I've had horses bolt with me in all different kinds of bits. The earliest I can remember was when I was 8. It happens. Your horse or pony gets a wild hair and just goes. I have been riding bitless since I've owned my first horse years ago. One of my horses bolted with me just a few days ago. (He is 4, the wind blew, it was his first bolt) You did everything right. You rode it out, you took care of your horse, you are both okay. Use this experience to be better prepared for when it happens again, and it will happen again; may not be on the same horse. You did a great job in this video. Be proud of yourself😊

[@rebeccarothfuss-ym3gs]

This is my first time watching you i think. First off, I'm not an equestrian, I'm a 72 year old grandma. I've only ridden horses when I was young at riding ranches. OK, all that being said I think you handled the situation the best you could. It must have been quite frightening that she wouldn't whoa and then got stuck in briers and brush in a deep ditch. You were smart to get your parents to help you. Remember this dear, there are no failures, everything is an opportunity to learn. I don't think there is any way to prepare for the kind of predicament you found yourself in. You problem solved quite well. You got off, you calmed yourself and your horse and then went for help. So glad you and your horse are ok. Yes I know you both had some bruises and scratches, but you're ok. And now you are helping your horse by desensitizing her to that ditch. ❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@themoocrew]

I took out my "bomb-proof" horse for a trail ride many years ago. I, too, ride bitless and have for decades. On this day, we passed our neighbor's cow field, and a Yak stood up, shook, and approached the fence. The Yak was new, and my horse swore it was going to eat us both. He turned around and returned to the barn at a dead gallop. Thankfully, we made it to the barn in one piece, and I jumped off on rubbery legs. My neighbor, who also rides, came over and advised that I was leaning forward and thus giving my horse the signal to go. What type of bit I had would not have mattered - the fear was real for my boy (and me). It took me a while to get the courage to ride past livestock again and gain my confidence back. After an introduction and positive reinforcement, he was fine with the Yak. You did a great job, and hindsight is always 20/20. Thank you for sharing and allowing us to learn with you. Belle is lucky to have you.

[@skidaddle32]

Wow … good on you for staying calm and I’m sooo glad neither you or your horse was seriously injured. I had a similar wreck when I was 14. My first horse, Tonda, decided to take off with me and veer off the hard path to bolt across what she “thought” was more firm ground. Not only was the field she chose about 2 feet lower than the hard path, but it was freshly prepared for rice seed planting - meaning it was basically like flour. At full tilt, her front legs sank to her knees and we both flipped simultaneously. I landed flat on my back and so did she. My head was against her butt crack and her tail was in my face. It was crazy. We both scrambled to our feet … we looked like we fell in a giant vat of powdered sugar - we were both covered head to toe, top to bottom, front and back. I walked her in hand the two or so miles back to her stable. Neither of us was hurt. It definitely shook me up but after about a week off, I was back riding her again. 😅

[@heatherstevenson8648]

You were so calm and handled the situation beautifully ❤ I almost lost my life 8 months ago. I had trained my horse in a beautiful bit less bridle. Then we went on a hack bitless, and she just bolted and bucked me at least 10 times. I had nothing to hold onto except for my English saddles gullet. I was then thrown with such force I could see I was going to land on my neck, which I knew I would break. I used to do stunts and knew the air and trampoline, so I tucked as tight as I could. I had a vest and helmet on which saved my life. I am so glad you and your horse are ok❤ I have gone back to a snaffle bit. When she tried to get one over me again, this time, I could turn her. Thank you for your story❤

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much for the support! It’s the risk that comes with the sport but still gives me chills every time.

[@heatherstevenson8648]

@@aleksa-eq I am just glad you both are ok. 🙏❤️🌈

[@klem4159]

Getting off and calming her, excellent choice. So hard to stay calm and not telegraph fear when these things happen. I am guessing the muddy conditions likely made short circle/one rein stop a poor choice plus I guess she ended up in the thorny ditch too late for that as an option. Stay with the bit less bridle and work on word, body cues , and developing trust that your requests are not scary or unreasonable to her. Takes longer but gives you more ways to cue and form a bond. For me, a bit can be like adding “power steering” but only with the right tension. Often becomes heavy handed. Check out older classical dressage. Single rein, not slack but not tight. Good job!

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you for all the tips! We have stayed bridless and we’ve been working in arenas and trail riding with other people just working up to another trail ride on our own. I did consider a one reign stop but at the time Belle was out of shape and didn’t really know where she put her legs so along with the mud it would’ve been a bad decision. Thank you for the kind comment

[@kathyberger6650]

Poor baby!!! Bless. You did an amazing job trying to calm her! So glad it turned out better than expected. Bless. ❤🐴❣️

[@OnceUponaTimeline]

I feel like you did a good job, horse riding is not the safest sport and this kind of thing is why. But you kept calm even after the fall and you made reasonable decisions as well. Once the horse is calm, they can often find a way out of such messes themselves but if not, you had help on the way. The one thing I'd suggest is maybe start training your horse on one rein stop, that's a very popular emergency brakes option for a horse either bitless or not bitless, but you want to train both you and the horse on it beforehand. Basically you use one rein to bend their head around into a tight circle if they refuse to stop, such that they go in a circle. You'd probably want to not be too abrupt if the horse is already going fast but ideally you do it before it gets to high speed. Basically you pull and keep their head tight to the side making any forward movement be in a tight circle until the horse decides to stop moving their feet. The second the feet stop, then you slowly let them have their head back. If they start to surge on you again, then pull them back to a tight circle. Horse learns if they want a free head, they need to listen and control speed. This is also used to control panicking horses, but be very gradual about returning the head if the horse is still fearful. You should train them first by practicing good flexion in the neck of the horse so the horse's neck flexes easily (also a good exercise for their spine and neck muscles) and you practice first in the walk so the horse becomes conditioned to flex easily and stop with this move. For the training, you use gentle pressure and release methods so the horse easily and naturally flexes the neck for you with a light touch. You practice your own moves tons when you have full control so that when an emergency hits, you can automatically do it and the horse is familiar with it and is conditioned to respond. You may have to actually pull kinda hard in an emergency but that would be the only time you pull hard. One rein stop is a very popular technique for emergency stopping when the horse is ignoring regular commands for whatever reason and it's important that they stop anyway.

[@cmoorewv]

I think you did a great job handling that. It could have been much worse had you not stayed calm and kept your horse calm. I can only imagine the adrenaline and I would hope if this ever happens to me, I can remain so calm.

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much in my head I was telling myself so much to stay calm I can’t even bring myself to think about how bad this could’ve been🫶

[@OrochimaruChick]

Thank you for sharing Lexi! So important to see and learn from it, you handled it amazing! Means a lot! Bravo for staying cool and colected!

[@Natalie-uu6fs]

It happens. And you handled it beautifully.

[@nowhere2972]

After riding horses for forty plus years you did as well as anyone could expect in the same situation. Sometimes when it’s cloudy and cooler they feel the need to run. I had one horse run away with me along time ago and had about the same experience you did. I just don’t let them open up in fields or on trails anymore because it’s a runaway waiting to happen. My advice to build your confidence back is put a halter on the horse and walk along the same path it will help. Chances of it happening again in the same spot is 50/50 so just be careful and maybe have someone pony you until you feel better. The longer you wait the harder it is to get that confidence back. You can do this. 😊😊😊

[@aswann2264]

You did amazing and remained extremely calm. Great job!

[@joedyvillegas]

Thank you for this video! As an inexperienced rider, it's important to see the wildest possibility and how to handle them. Obviously in a panic it's easy to forget some, but hopefully videos like yours will prepare us. Glad you're both ok. Thank you for the tip about removing the tack! I appreciate you 😊

[@aleksa-eq]

Glad it was helpful! Well said❤️

[@BirdieEquines]

Omg that looks soooo scary!!!! Hope you all are ok 🥺❤️‍🩹 xxx Would love to see an update video 🤞🏼

[@aleksa-eq]

Definitely!! We’re both fine, thank you for the comment. I’ll make an update video soon. I walked her in hand through the field and she was so anxious it took so long to calm her down enough to even walk past the ditch🥺. We’re working through it though

[@BirdieEquines]

@@aleksa-eq ahh that’s great! ❤️‍🩹✨🫶🏼 Awwww 🥺💚

[@DunEquineOfficial]

@@BirdieEquinesHOW AM I SEEING YOU EVERWHEREE😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@aleksa-eq]

@@DunEquineOfficialmagic 🪄

[@KarineTKnudsen]

I hope you both are well. This made me feel sad, because you did everything you could and some people will always criticize anyway. You seem like an amazing person and friend to your horse, and I hope you are back in the saddle. I had a rough fall of a horse two weeks ago. It was really scary, but I found out what went wrong and learned from that. I will not ride a very hungry (therefore stressed) horse again. Hugs and blessings. 💜

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much💜 We’ve been back in the saddle for quite some time now and we’ve actually gotten into some jumping! I found her passion for English but we still ride western now and again. We haven’t been on a trail other than hand walking because even though I’ve built up trust with her, one part of me is terrified of being hurt worse.

[@erynd2524]

Wow that was scary. I get it. Still working on getting myself back to where I was before mine happened two years ago. Broke my back in two places and was in a brace for 16 weeks.

[@aleksa-eq]

Oof I’ve been in a back brace because of a vaulting accident, made it really hard to get into trick riding. Now I’m I regular riding and still got hurt

[@Treehugger-es5ko]

You were handing the situation really well imo, looked v scarey ! Glad it was only scratches - could've been so much worse!!! ❤

[@aleksa-eq]

Yes it could’ve been so so so much worse I’m so grateful it wasnt

[@LFnova9]

Five minutes isn't long. I'm so glad you're both okay! That was wild!

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you, I am too🫶

[@dorismiller4651]

You did good. Kept your head. And good thinking getting mom dad. Be safe and remember to still have fun 🫶🏽

[@aleksa-eq]

❤Thank you for the comment and support🫶

[@Jess._.Equine13]

You handled it amazingly! When horses bolt it can be extremely scare and then them jumping in that it would just make it more stressful, and imo the tack being off wouldn’t have really don’t much anyways atleast you didn’t fall and Hirt yourself and then not be able to help her because you were injured

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much for the support🥹

[@tanyapether119]

You did an awesome job girl!!

[@redrumtruecrime]

If you removed tack that wouldve added to that possibly getting buried, trodden on and trashed so id personally only ever remove a saddle if the horse was stuck in a boggy field on its side, and only then my reason for removing it would be to hopefully save the tree getting broken! Tbh things like this are a learning curve for your horse. She certainly didnt panic and just took it all in, like "oohhh, THAT'S why she wasn't keen on my short cut!" I reckon if that "escape lane" wasn't there, you'd have been going flat out gallop up the road to home. The ditch saved you, for sure! ❤😊

[@almirakline6070]

Oh, wow. You handled it well . 👏 Scary situation 😳, but it happens sometimes!

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much! It’s the risk that comes with the sport after all 🫶

[@debh3404]

I bet you were both terrified! So glad that you kept a cool head and that you guys got to safety.

[@aleksa-eq]

Yes me too thank you for the kind comment!💕☺️

[@marilynbowe650]

Tough break. You made it girl!

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much!!

[@user-ce3pq4bh2d]

OMG, thank goodness you are both ok!!!!!!!!!👍

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

You are young, sorry you were so frighened. You did what you thought best, got parents, you have learned loads, if i was there id be proud of you. Thqnks for caring are being a correct horse rider.if i was near you love to meet, but in uk, i teach bhs instructor, but natural horsemanship too. Love and peace xx keep safe, happy riding.

[@Bayz_for_dayz]

Omg😳 rly hope everything’s ok, I honestly don’t know how u could even think at all in that situation❤

[@aleksa-eq]

I don’t know, my brain was going as fast as light. My main worry was her legs that she won’t go lame I’m so thankful she didnt

[@heidiyoung4301]

Very brave girl same thing exactly happened to me years ago . I was 18 she shied went into a huge ditch but she was on her back! It took four of us to get her out she was fine but saddle was ruined!!

[@cherylstone7256]

U handle that perfectly... good job 👍

[@OttersMum]

You did so great the bond you have with your horse is amazing❤

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much! Honestly that’s exactly what I’ve been needing to hear it’s so rewarded when others notice a bond between me and my horses it makes me feel like I’m truly doing the right thing with them and that’s an awesome feeling thank you so much! 🥹❤️

[@pixie706]

At least you are both. OK ish.. I decided to ride bitless when I was 12 and someone came into the field leaving the gate open . my mare took off down the road and luckily a gang of workmen stopped us before the busy highway. Jelly legs. ! !

[@aleksa-eq]

That’s sounds scary I hope you were ok those ladies really saved you ❤ thank God for them❤

[@AddisAdventures_]

i'm so sorry for you! that must of been awful!!!!!!!!!! new sub!!!!!!!!!!!!! i wacthed all of it! your so good and i love how you take care of belle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! your such a good owner and i'm here for you

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much for the comment it genuinely means so much reading this brought tears to my eyes🥹

[@AddisAdventures_]

@@aleksa-eq your welcome! I love to help riders because I know what it feels like to have a big conference knock! I was on a trail with a Arabian horse named mac ^i was a beginner rider^ and he started spinning and he turned and took off with me I fell, I couldn’t get up for a little bit. ^i’m fine!^ because my lower back was hurting a lot!!! I got back up and one of the person on the trail walked me back, and there was two people at the barn they got on him to calm him down 😂 and I got on a horse named dixie, so I would have confidence… tell me if you wanna know more before this fall Because I love shareing my ridding story ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@aleksa-eq]

@@AddisAdventures_ouch omg I’m sorry that happened to you!

[@AddisAdventures_]

@@aleksa-eq it’s okay ❤️‍🔥

[@ANGELLYNNEWILLIAMS-gf3ut]

Great job staying calm, remember your one rein stop when they bolt. You did excellent in this situation though.

[@aleksa-eq]

Yes, thank you. I was thinking of it; but the mud and her being very clumsy about where she puts her legs she would’ve fallen and probably on top of me.

[@Jess._.Equine13]

One rein stops arnt the best thing to do both training wise and physically it puts most of a horses weight on one leg and it’s not good for them if she was going to do a one rein stop it would have had to be in trot or canter not gallop unless she wanted her horse to break a leg or for them to both fall

[@paulinedennis1632]

Well done young lady 😊

[@janvas7690]

Bless you it must have been so scary for you both! Well done in keeping a clear head and not panic!

[@nightraven2483]

Great job, glad you didn't break anything.

[@aleksa-eq]

Thanks! Me too

[@nightraven2483]

Your welcome @@aleksa-eq

[@janetalston54]

I think you did great considering what happened. Hindsight is a wonderful thing when it’s appropriate. Don’t beat yourself up, you were obviously shocked and worried about your horse.

[@vindheimar2631]

Well done! You handeld this as a pro! Good to hear you both are doing well ❤

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much! Yes, we are💕

[@justasimpleequestrian]

That was so deep oh my gosh I would've been crying. You did good though Im so glad you both are okay! ❤

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much ☺️ Yes I am too! 💕

[@maureenkeller5406]

Wow, it's good that it wasn't worse.

[@aleksa-eq]

Yes it could’ve been so so much worse!

[@Born_Again_On_The_Mountain]

That looked very scary, but you kept calm. I am glad you and Belle are okay! 🧡🐎

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much! I am to🐎🧡

[@susanfantozzi4415]

Scary situation. I'm glad your both ok.

[@RepublicTX]

Well done! Maybe time for you both to learn the one-rein stop. Comes in very handy with a bolt.

[@aleksa-eq]

The thought crossed my mind but it was muddy and she’s unbalanced so I almost definitely would’ve ended up under her

[@MidnightRaven_Eq]

Amazing job staying calm after the incident!!

[@MidnightRaven_Eq]

Watched the whole thing!!!

[@aleksa-eq]

@@MidnightRaven_Eq thank you!!

[@PsychicIsaacs]

I know how everyone goes on about how wonderful bitless is, and some people even say bits are cruel, but the truth is, some (most) horses need a bit, and it is dangerous to ride them without one. 99.9% of the time they might be fine, but it's that 0.1% of the time when they decide to spook or bolt and you absolutely can't restrain them, without a bit, that's the problem! I was told this by a very experienced horse trainer of 50 years' experience, who told me off one day for riding my mare in a rope halter. He said, "Yes, you can control her now, but I can GUARANTEE that if she spooks or bolts, you'll have zero control over her, and you'll end up in the hospital, again!" I'd already had a serious riding accident with this mare, that did land me in hospital for a week, (6 months to fully recover) so I had to admit he was right! I have never ridden her bitless, since, and with a bit, I am always able to fully control her, even if she spooks or does something else stupid (that is rare, these days). BTW, the accident was my fault, mounting her without any tack at all which was stupid, stupid, stupid, but we all live and learn, don't we? I'm glad you're okay and got off with just a few bruised ribs. It could have been much, much, worse!

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much I’ve since been riding her in a bit because I actually got the same advice from a very experienced horseman. I didn’t think she needed one because I’d never had a problem with controlling her but in the 1% chance that she does spook, that one time could take my life.. so yeah we ride in a bit now thank you🫶

[@user-he1yy6vp7h]

oh gosh i ride myself and this is one of my worst fears im glad you two got out and you both are doing better

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you ☺️ Yes we are she’s doing a lot better, very anxious to go near that field but physically she’s doing amazing

[@danapratola]

Praying for you and Belle 💞

[@aleksa-eq]

Much appreciated 🫶

[@emmasquires9570]

Glad your both ok, very scary time ❤

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you! Us too! 🧡

[@noeleenegan7679]

Very scary event for you, glad you both came out of it safely!

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you me too!

[@patty8232]

Glad you’re both okay.

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much, and thank you for being a public subscriber it’s how I sort my comments❤

[@Me_and_my_ponies]

I love your videos and I’m so glad u and belle are okay sorry if I spelt that wrong i hope your all doing better now

[@Luciprice1223]

I’m happy you guys are safe, ok and that you stayed calm, if you would’ve freaked out, belle, would have to and it could have been bad.

[@aleksa-eq]

Yes it could’ve been so very very much worse I’m so thankful we’re both ok

[@Luciprice1223]

@@aleksa-eq me too

[@arielporte4149]

Some times it is safer to go riding, swimming, skiing, etc. with a friend. Some activities are just safer with a buddy. So glad you are both ok. Also: were you riding with a helmet ? That is also important. 🐎💕

[@aleksa-eq]

Absolutely!! I always wear a helmet especially when I plan on trial riding ❤️

[@jackkrag]

you did good girl

[@margieb.4346]

Do you always ride bitless? So glad you’re okay.

[@aleksa-eq]

Yes we do, she was trained on a bit but I’ve had for a quite a while and we’ve always ridden bitless

[@amberlebakker]

I don’t think it was being bitless. I used to Barrel Race my horse fairly competitively in a hackamore and honestly would feel comfortable racing her in a halter. I still think you did good trying to keep you both calm. It would’ve went a lot worse if you lost your cool.

[@amberlebakker]

Ps I was told by the old pros you aren’t a real rider until you’ve lost count of how many times you’ve fallen off or been fallen on

[@andreashaw6685]

Grrst ride x

[@showconcernforothers]

I'm jealous!!

[@aleksa-eq]

Of being bolted with and falling into a ditch?

[@showconcernforothers]

@@aleksa-eq yep, even that cuz it means I would be riding horses LOL

[@aleksa-eq]

⁠@@showconcernforothersyes it’s a blessing but this is definitely not one of my best moments

[@karnak2804]

Doesn t matter if it is with bit or not you just had to make a circle and make it smaller and smaller until she stops

[@aleksa-eq]

The field was wet that’s why i didn’t, she would’ve slipped and she rlly clumsy

[@user-gv7ql5vk4w]

I am so sorry

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

And please dont think you have to justify about ground etc. Can happen to ANY RIDER XX IGNORE ANY NEGATIVE STUFF XX

[@aleksa-eq]

Thank you so much🥹

[@farmhome904]

And this is why "bitless" isn't quite the virtue people think it is. It's good to have the emergency brakes when you need them. To stop a bolt or run away before it really starts. Once the horse knows that your aids go up to eleven, they'll usually respond to a light touch.

[@TheGoodbyeGirl]

Well done, that could have been way worse, maybe work on your voice commands to help of there is a next time. hopefully you'll be back riding in no time.

[@KeithNorwood-vg2eq]

You are taking a risk going bitless to each his own

[@kimnenninger7226]

That wreck can happen to anyone but realize that if you can't double your horse safely then your horse is not ready to go in a bit less bridle in the woods. I don't know what kind of contraption you had on your horse but make sure he understands what it means. The wreck that I see most often when I am riding in the woods is people riding their horses in "Parellie Pal" halters. It always seems that these people take the first lesson, buy the halter and off they ride. Rarely are these people qualified to ride like this and imagine what would happen if the horse and rider were to be hit by a car? You don't need to give up the bit less bridle but please school your horse so that this doesn't happen again.

[@user-ph8sj9fn4r]

Я в прошлом году влетела в комок брошенной проволоки, лошадь запуталась, я спрыгнула и лошадь запутала и меня. Это было страшно, если бы она поскакала, то потянула бы меня за ноги этой проволокой. В полях всегда приключения встречаются

[@creativehorsequeen]

I don't think this was because of being bitless. I've had a horse bolt on me with a bit and when I tried to do a one rein stop, he bucked and I came off. Sometimes stuff just happens.