Rider killed at Hartpury...

Question

Im sure you have all heard about poor Emma Jonathan who dies after falling from her horse at Hartpury Horse Trials yesterday.

I would just like to know your opinions and thaughts on it.

Persionally it has shaken me up quite a bit to think that every time I get on my horse, I'm putting my life at risk!

It wont stop me riding though.

Answer 1

what happened ! i didnt hear about it ?

Answer 2

If you love eventing enough than it is your choice to risk your life!

Answer 3

anytime you are riding an animal it can be dangerous.from back yard riding to events like jumping and rodeo there will be death's of riders,we all take the risk of injury or death even in our own homes and throw a large unpredictable animal in the mix you double the risk, but i wouldn't give up a day without my livestock.this may sound callous or rude but to die doing what i love would be leaving on a high note and is better than the alternative.rest in peace Emma Johnathan,may your presence be missed,but not forgotten.

Answer 4

i hadn't heard about it, im doing a degree at hartpury college and had walked around the cross country course just a few months ago. its sad to to think someone has now died there. Accidents unfortunately happen though, thats the risk we take every time we sit on our horses, and its not going to change. We just have to hope more is done to reduce the risks.

Answer 5

I found the news really sad. But riding is a dangerous sport and she died doing the thing she loved.

You put your life at risk every single day, by crossing the road, going down stairs, getting on a bus.

If you were to try and avoid all danger, you would never go out - and then remember most accidents happen in the home.

I had a really close call driving a pair of ponies who although absolutely ok, shied at a disabled cyclist and took off down the road, the next thing I remember I was in the ambulance under blue light speeding to hospital.

So all we can do is always wear the correct protective equipment and train our horses to accept all eventualities.

Don't give up the thing you love -  

Answer 6

this is a really tragic thing to have happened, you don't see many fatalities in the world of riding nowadays. RIP emma.

i know that for obvious reasons emma was wearing a hard hat and body protector but it just goes to show that no matter what you're doing horse riding is a risky sport. i think it's despicable that at some events such as dressage and western competitions riders are made to compete with unsuitable hats. the people at the stables i ride at are constantly riding out to the field without hats, and they even school their horses without them sometimes.

just the other week i was riding bareback and in just a halter up to the field when the horse i was riding didn't want to walk past something spooky and as i tried to kick him on he turned and bolted towards the stable yard. i managed to stay on most of the way but i lost my balance and fell onto the concrete as he slowed down. i have road rash all down my back, arm, hand and shoulder. i was knocked unconscious and was concussed. that whole day seems like a dream because i can hardly remember it. i was wearing a sleeveless shirt (very stupid idea - never again.) and luckily, a hard hat. even though i thought i was going on a quick 2 minute ride to the field, it can end terribly no matter what you're expecting.

once again, RIP emma

Answer 7

Owning and riding a horse has ALWAYS been a dangerous business!  I've known folks who have busted arms, had concussions and so fourth.  Known of folks who have lost their lives because of some freak accident even on the ground!  I thought seriously about this last week after my 3 month old filly ran over me!  Even the kindest horse can have their moments.  Until my later years, I made a joke about what scar went with what horse on my left side but now I'm working on the right side and it's caught up with the left!  ROFLOL

With this in mind, remember be as safe as you can, don't do things on a whim and ALWAYS have a good first aid kit at the barn!

Answer 8

that is tragic

i don't compete that much / take such a risk

it reminds you that horses are dangerous animals and that it's a dangerous sport that there is risk

horses are unpredictable animals with their own minds

i would never stop riding though even if i lost my site my arm my legs anything

Answer 9

It is sad that eventing is getting to be too dangerous to even compete in. I'm going to assume that she died on the cross country round? If so, it is even sadder. Most eventing deaths are preventable, if only the course designers would use frangible pins in the jumps! Im going to quote my friend here and say that eventing really is a dying sport. Not only have many people died, but so have their equine partners.

Answer 10

Oh wow! I wasn't aware of it, but that's tragic.

I agree with you. It's scary thinking of every time you mount a horse, you are putting your life on the line. But it won't stop me from riding, I love it way too much to stop!

RIP Emma :(