There comes a time in every horse rider’s life when they will either witness an accident or have an accident themselves or both.
I’ve been at both ends of the scale here and neither are pleasant. I’ve watched mates lay motionless as their horses have galloped off, I’ve also sat up to stars in my own eyes and “two” Ollie’s running around the paddock. I’ve sat with an unconscious rider while the horse jumped the fence into Mount Bold reservoir and had to leave the horse! People are wonderful and the neighbor took great care of the horse. I’ve laid on the ground while saying “hey Siri, call …..” I’ve checked on a rider who was up on their feet by the time I got to them and then galloped off on my own horse to catch theirs!
If you haven’t set it up already, it’s worthwhile having Siri or Google set to call the ambulance at your voice command. It’s much easier when you’re seeing stars! The late model Apple watches can also be set to call an ambulance if something goes wrong and you pass out.
There are a few important things you can do that could really change or save a life.
Having a cool and calm head and the ability to assess the situation thoroughly to determine your next plan of action is going to make a huge difference in many incident outcomes.
If it’s a riding accident it’s likely the horse will run off. Rule #1 make sure the rider is ok. The horse must come second. If you have a second rider, send them for the horse.
When you get to the rider, talk to them. If they haven’t bounced to their feet by themselves by the time you get to their side they need to stay on the ground. Ask them a few questions and call an ambulance. Do not move them and do not ask them to stand up or sit up.
When calling an ambulance it’s so important that you know WHERE you are. What address are you at? Know this and you’re much closer to having an ambulance get to you. Stay calm. You can only control certain things in this situation and your manner is one of them.
While waiting for an ambulance, cover the rider with a blanket or jacket very gently. They can get cold and go into shock. Do not attempt to remove their helmet.
Wait for the ambulance to arrive and do not leave the person on the ground, even to attend to their horse.
Sometimes there are obvious injuries, sometimes the injuries are not so obvious, that’s why it’s so important to get checked out, and not to move the rider before professional help arrives.
For a small fee you can get ambulance cover each year, either through SA ambulance cover or through your health fund. Without it you could be up for a very costly lesson!