Horse & Rider Died. How would you deal with it?

Question

I was at a cross country competition today. The courses varied, obviously. On one of the intermediate courses the horse flipped in mid air and landed on the rider. The rider was around 20. Honestly I'm bummed. How would you handle it? Do you have any words of wisdom? Please don't add to the upset. No I didn't know them, I judged various jumps.

Answer 1

In my lifetime, I have watched many people die. It is an event that one should never get used to seeing. That stated; understand that horse and more so the rider, passed while doing something that they trained for and enjoyed. I couldn't think of a better way to go. So many folks pass from slow agonizing deaths due to illness

I personally want to go the same way I came into the world: Naked and screaming between a woman's legs. But that will not be my choice. I just hope I pass doing something I love.........

Answer 2

That's a terrible tragedy.  I've seen horse break down and it's always tough, but to have the rider die too is awful.  I guess the first thing is just to accept that it happened, that serious injuries and death are an occupational hazzard of equestrain events.  The rider obviously loved what he was doing, but he had a bad accident.  It's kind of like driving.  There will always be wrecks somewhere, but it shouldn't put us off using the road.

Answer 3

That is pretty awful.  I'm sorry.  Here's how I think about it...

At least they were happy at the time.  I always hate to see horses get hurt... but they must like jumping or else they wouldn't do it.  And I usually cry whenever I see anyone fall off a horse, but I really don't care when I fall off...  I love riding, so I'm always happy to get back on.  I know falling off is just part of it.  The thing about this situation is that both horse and rider were probably scared when they died...  I mean the horse clearly didn't like the jump and they never like to fall so I'm sure it wasn't happy at the time.  And the rider was probably scared too because they must have known something bad was happening.  But at the same time maybe it was better because when you get scared your adreneline kicks in and it stops you from feeling as hurt...  when I fall, I start to feel hurt 5-10 minutes later, not right away.

For me, I know I could get hurt riding and I just don't care.  I'd be a lot more upset about dying at school or when driving or something like that than dying while riding my horse.  And it's better than dying a slow painful death from a disease.  And at least they're together now...  they're running and jumping and they're happy and they'll never fail to clear a fence again!  :o)

Answer 4

i am so sorry for your loss well their loss too . but i want to be a jockey and people ask me if i am afraid to die doing that sport i always say well ya but i would rather die doing something that i love then living in a stressed out life doing something i hate. i am following my dream and that is to be a jockey and if i die by becoming what i love then well i die  and i cant stop it . i also feel bad for the horse and he probably died doing what he did or didnt want to do, you dont really know for sure because look at  seabuscuit he didnt want to race at first i mean he lost all the time and was always sore from racing all the time so why would he like to race? but when the howards bought him they turned him around and made him like racing so much that he started to win and even beat war admiral . so it could be either way really .i hope you feel better soon because i just went through a loss to but nothing like that , i am still finding myself cring about it but allways say he lived with us for 7 years and we loved him so much , oh great i am starting to cry .... well how would it look if you didnt feel sad at all then you would be cold hearted , and ur not .oh and the way i am handling it is always making myself luagh and being with my friends , do something that doesnt involve that sport for a while and try not to think about it . peace! we have to move on, even if it takes a while to do so .

Answer 5

I would like to perform a speech...

To begin, it is necessary to pause for a moment and reflect on one's own attitude in relation to death and dying. Undoubtedly, we are programmed to accept the 'passing' of others as natural. Yet, even then, when death 'threatens' us personally, or anyone for whom we hold great affection, the emotional component comes into play and the objective 'death' becomes a very real and intense experience.

“The good die young - because they see it's no use living if you've got to be good”

-John Barrymore

Answer 6

I'm sorry. That would stick in your mind for a while. God Bless his or her family.

Answer 7

Of course you are bummed. Anyone would be. One way you might respond is to write a letter of condolence to the family, and/or the trainer, as they will also be devastated. Helping them might help you. And try to understand that that rider died doing something they love...at 20, it's tough, but as the Zunis would say, they completed their path. Everything that lives, dies. It's what we do while we are here that counts. And pay no attention to people who criticize the fact that the horse died too....the same applies. If a horse doesn't love it, he won't do it, and if he is doing it, there is a risk.

The important thing is not to dwell on it. If you ride, and jump, take it easy for a while....keep the stress to a minimum.

Good luck.