Injuries when riding far from civilization

[lawndart]

This is something my riding buddies (there are 3 of us) and I have discussed in the past, which was a good thing since we had an incident on this past Wednesday. This is my opportunity to lay it out, and learn something from all of you. If you have good, constructive suggestion, I’ll be glad to hear them. I’ve included all the details I think will help outline the situation, so it is long.

My one friend and I were riding. The 3rd person was not along, so just two of us. We often ride way back in the State Forest, during the week and see no one. It is nothing to do 12-14 miles on each ride, with trotting and cantering involved where the footing is safe. My horse is newer to me, purchased him in January, started riding him in February. He is very buff and in good shape, and a good solid horse.

My friend M was riding her gelding who she has owned since 2008. So they know each other well. He is a BIG powerful horse, who is very quick on his feet. He has a history of doing a duck, buck and spin when the spirit moves him, at least 2-3 times each year. There is rarely any reason why that I can see. M usually can stay with him, but not always. Before Wednesday she has never gotten hurt when flipped off.

Anyway, 1.5 hours into the ride (about 5 miles from the trailer) we were discussing if we wanted to stop for lunch, or continue on. We decided to ride to the top of the Hollow (approx. 2 miles) where there is a fantastic view to stop. Decided to trot or Canter, since it is such a long lovely uphill stretch that we call the trot trail. We have ridden this trail more than once. Was a lovely day, not much wind, no wildlife jumping out or anything. We had trotted and cantered earlier on in the ride. I was in front (we switch back and forth) and trotted off. I asked if she wanted to canter, she said sure, go ahead. I waited a beat, then picked up the Canter. Heard NO, then THUD. My horse slowed and turned around before I could even ask him to.

M was lying on the ground whooping as the wind was knocked out of her. Her horse was grazing nearby. I jumped off my horse (who followed right behind me, good boy), grabbed her horses reins. and started assessment. She was moving, conscious, but groaning and whooping. Once she got her breath back, she rolled to her side. By this time, I had a rope halter on her horse, and tied him to a tree, then tied mine. She fell flat on her back and hip, and was wearing a helmet. Her legs were higher than her head. I checked her limbs, intact, no bleeding, no twisting. Got a good look at her nail beds, they were still pink, and she was starting to respond to my questions. Said her ribs and hip hurt, plus her back somewhat, but not seriously. I had a hard time seeing her eyes, because of tearing but they looked properly dilated and even. She was making sense, so I got her some water, Ibuprophen and sat her up propped against me. Her heart was racing, no surprise there, but a little worrisome. Let her rest a bit, then got her into a standing position. She was able to walk with a limp, so we decided to start walking toward the road, over 2 miles up.

Her horse is a bugger to lead, so I had my hands full. Thank my lucky stars that whoever trained my boy trained him well, because he walked quietly beside me while I wrestled with Brutus. M walked in front of me so I could keep an eye on her. No cell service there, and not in most places on this mountain. We walked for about 15 minutes when it became obvious (I think her adrenaline was wearing off) she was not going to be able to walk to the top where we did get cell service. I asked her if she could ride my gelding, as he is safer, shorter, and trained to mount on both sides. She was willing to try. I dropped the right stirrup all the way down, held him steady and she was able to get on. She wanted to hold the reins since she knows my hands were full with her beast. Since my gelding will just follow me pretty much wherever I go,that was fine. My horse was an absolute angel, walking slowly and carefully. However, she groaned often, and outright cried which is VERY unlike her. I was so torn, leave her there with her horse tied securely to a tree, and boogie to the top, or stay with her. I should note here that the lane was big enough to get an emergency vehicle down, but behind a locked gate that can only be opened by the DCNR. It would have taken at least 1 hour to get someone there to open the gate, and get an emergency vehicle down to where she was.

Finally, we made it to the cell service area, I was able to call my husband who was working at home. The man is very good in an emergency, just asked what he need to bring, and where we would be. I thought we could make it to the gravel road, another 1/2 mile or so. That is what happened, he managed to lift her off of the horse standing on a large rock, and we made her comfortable while DH drove me to the trailer. We got the horses loaded, her loaded into DHs Jeep and off to the hospital. She will be OK, severely bruised, 4 cracked ribs, and a sciata that is very unhappy. While she is in a lot of pain, she will be fine in a month or so.

OK, give it to me. WHAT should I have done differently? What would have been a better choice? If you have a better emergency plan, lay it out there for me. (I have asked a Dr. friend to list on paper the top 10 things to check for so I can carry it with me). I am not a nurse, or a Dr, and have minimal medical training.

[katyb]

I don’t know much, so may not be a lot of help. I don’t understand why a horse she’s had for nine years doesn’t lead well. Not sure if that had any huge impact on your day. If I had a horse known for the spin and bolt, I think I’d wear a vest. Otherwise, it sounds like you did what you could in this instance. Not every situation lends itself to perfect planning and a perfect outcome.

[lawndart]

He does not bolt, but will buck, spin, and spook violently. He is a horse that was previously owned by a very timid woman, and learned to be a bully. M had him pretty much under control, then her husband retired 2 years ago. . So she travels often, leaving her horses in the care of a teenager, who does a good job, but doesn’t really touch the horses much, and certainly doesn’t discipline them. Every time they come back from an extended vacation, it is like starting over. Her problem, and not really what I’m looking for. I agree with a vest, but I’d prefer she get a nicer horse!! Not my decision tho.

[tabula_rashah]

I think you did fine. We can do everything right and there are still going to be accidents. About 10 years ago, I was riding with 2 friends and we were cantering down a nice grassy stretch. I was in front and suddenly friend P’s horse, who was last in line, came flying passed me without P. We still don’t know exactly what happened but P was flat out on the ground. She seemed okay- just a bit dazed, but then started to ask repetitive questions- how did she get here? what day was it? what was the name of that horse (her horse)? We were not in cell service area so C (other friend) tied her horse and P’s horse to a tree and stayed with her while I went back as fast as I could to the closest place with cell service and called 911. I had to wait for them to direct them on the trails and they came out on ATV’s and took her out that way until they could get to a place a helicopter could land. I ponied her horse (who BTW is a very mannerly 13.3h Morgan mare) home for her. I did start carrying ID/med info on my after that ride because it was a jumble of a mess once they flew her into shock trauma. To this day, P has no memory of that ride and she did have a properly fitted helmet on.

Basically I say minimize risk and be as safe as you reasonably can, but also understand that you can get hurt despite any and all precautions. For me that’s things like wearing a helmet, carrying a cell phone, paying attention all the time, being First Aid and CPR certified, carrying my bee meds, using cage stirrups and not pushing the envelope too much when I’m by myself. I accept the idea that something may happen every time I throw a leg over my horse.

[cutter99]

I’m not sure there is much you could have done differently lawndart. The only suggestion I could make is having a SPOT GPS tracker if you are going to continue to ride in more remote areas with no cell service. The SPOT tracker would allow you to get a message out for help using satellite messaging, so it will work where cell service does not. I have heard it does not work well in areas with dense trees and leaves. You can subscribe to a monthly plan with the SPOT tracker that you can suspend if you take a break from riding say over the winter.

https://www.thegpsstore.com/Delorme-inReach-Explorer-2-Way-Satellite-Communicator-P4050.aspx?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInqf83bP61QIVm7XACh24JADaEAQYBSABEgIorvD_BwE

Accidents can happen to anyone, although in the near recent past I began to seriously limit who I ride with. If they or their horse pose a risk to me and my horse, I will not ride with them. I was on a ride with a group last year that I was sure was going to end in some sort of injury or death. It was a huge lesson learned for me, and I have learned to always trust my gut since!

[lawndart]

Cutter 99, so funny you suggested the SPOT. I was just cleaning the bathroom and came across my husbands AMA magazine (motorcycle) and it was advertising the SPOT. I was coming up here to the computer to look at their website for more information, and decided to check COTH first.

I agree with the who you ride with. My two buddies are great. We ride about the same, have rules like no going faster without notifying the rest of the group, and if you have trouble sing out!! I did one large group ride about 5 years ago that was hell on earth because of a young woman riding a TB just off the track the week before…to stop him she ran him into any another horses hindquarters…that cured me for large group rides I can tell you!!

I should probably take some medical training. I have the memory of a sieve tho, so I’m not sure that I’ll remember it in an emergency anyway. I will have to see what options there are locally. I know my FD was offering a full EMT certification class, but that is more than I’m looking for.

I do believe in safety first, but lordie, it happened so fast and I don’t really know how it could have been prevented, other than her riding a less athletic horse. We wear helmets, don’t take unnecessary chances, and I always text my son where we are parking. (Husband does not text). But at each parking area their are multiple combinations of trails, so we could be anywhere really. I love the remoteness of our rides, the quiet, no people, no vehicles, great views, etc. but there is a price to pay for that. If my DH saw some of the places we ride, he would probably be a whole lot thrilled about the exercise I’m getting. But I, and my 2 riding buddies are just not the groomed trail type.

[theresak]

I don’t trail ride anywhere remote but my barn had a rider get injured on the trails that were within a mile of the nearest farm and still it took over an hour for the the County Sheriff to come with ATV rescue vehicles and get her to the ambulance (injured collarbone, so no need for helicopter flight). There were at least 3 riders on that trail ride and one rode back ponying a horse and the other stayed with the injured rider until help came. So maybe consider limiting your remote trail rides to occasions when you have 3 people? Or routes without gates and easy ATV access?

I wonder if there is somebody with the State Forest Service you could notify of when and where you are heading out and let them know if you have a cell phone, SPOT, etc. so they know how you would contact emergency services if needed.

[Guilherme]

The major alternative I can think of is to tie the offending horse to a tree, make the injured person as comfortable as possible, then head out at the safest fast gait you have until you have phone service. Then lead the authorities back.

You were right to check for injury and you did the best job you could with what you had. But if there had been internal injuries the result might have been very different.

The offending horse is the THE most dangerous kind of horse that a person can own. If you’ve got a jughead that spooks at red pickups then you avoid them or, if you can’t, you can get ready for the inevitable. That might even include dismounting until the red demon is gone. But a horse who does this because it can whenever it feels like it is going to seriously injure a rider. Your friend was lucky she fell without sustaining serious injury.

The first part of any good disaster plan is “don’t have a disaster.” But we all know that the equestrian art has a level of risk of injury that is not, and cannot ever be, zero.

I hope your friend heels up without complications and thinks about what to do with her mount.

G.

[gothedistance]

@Guilherme

The major alternative I can think of is to… make the injured person as comfortable as possible, then head out at the safest fast gait you have until you have phone service. Then lead the authorities back…

G.

^THIS!!

First order is you DON’T MOVE a person if they are in pain. Make sure they are lucid, comfortable (as much as you possibly can), tie up their horse so that it doesn’t accidentally trample the injured person, and then MAKE HASTE to get somewhere where you have cell coverage and call 911.

You could have done her serious damage moving her - one of those broken ribs could have punctured a lung. And her brat of a horse could have pulled you out of the saddle while you were ponying him, and then there would have been two people hurt. You were lucky, she was lucky, and all’s well that ends well. But do keep this in mind for next time (which I hope never happens). Let the experts carry the injured party out - your only job is to make sure to get the help there as fast as you can. BTDT foxhunting bringing in the emergency personnel 2 miles across several fields to get to a downed whip whose horse had slipped on the icy ground, she fell off, and then the horse stepped on her. At least we had one other person to stay with the downed staff member while help was gotten.

I know you aren’t a medical person, but you did ask for advice. Guilherme gave the best advice and I second it.

[AKB]

Leaving an injured person alone while you get help is not without risk. I think you assessed her well and did the best you could. I do think a satellite phone is a good idea. I hear that the Spot is good but in some areas, other competitors are better. Find out what works in your area. A vest is also a good idea.

[SCM1959]

I also know that you are not supposed to move a person, but as you said, it all happened so fast. I think you did a thorough assessment and were very careful and observant.

Thank goodness for your saint of a horse. I have one of those and do not understand people who keep horses who can be nuts.

I don’t know if you could have ridden your horse away to get to the cell service area, leaving the other spooky one behind. Tied to a tree and left “all alone”, that horse may have totally flipped his lid. Meanwhile, your friend would have been nearby and could have been injured further.

SCM1959

[Guilherme]

@AKB

Leaving an injured person alone while you get help is not without risk. I think you assessed her well and did the best you could. I do think a satellite phone is a good idea. I hear that the Spot is good but in some areas, other competitors are better. Find out what works in your area. A vest is also a good idea.

This is absolutely true. The OP took a calculated risk and it worked. On the other hand if she’d taken my suggestion it likely would have also worked.

All actions have consequences; all non-actions have consequences. All you can ever do is use your best efforts to minimize the risks that you’ll take.

G.

[lawndart]

theresak great suggestion to have the Phone numbers of the DCNR programmed into my phone. I have all 4 State Forest #s in there now.

Guilherme I did consider leaving Brutus tied to a tree. Unfortunately, this is an area that was very recently logged, and there were no trees over 3-4" in girth. He had broken the tree I tied him to for that short time. He is that type of horse, that if he gets loose will gallop willy nilly, and she could have been re-injured by him. We were also at the edge of a drop off into a hollow, and I was leery of leaving her behind because of that too. this goes into what gothedistance posted as well. I would have preferred leaving her there, and would have if she had been unconscious, but I would have taken Brutus with me, as I don’t trust him a bit.

No worries that I will be insulted by your comments, I am asking for them good or bad. No wilting flower here. I was very worried that walking out would do more damage.

SCM1959 I used to be the one on the unreliable horse, and it took me getting injured to see it. We can be so stubborn about horses we love for one reason or another. My daughter found me my saint of a horse and I almost didn’t buy him because he didn’t look like much. He has turned into Gold for me, and I now see him as the best looking horse on the planet! I look back now and wonder why I struggled with the Princess for so long. Just lucky I didn’t get hurt worse since both M and I were riding less than reliable mounts. I only owned mine for 6 months tho, so it was pretty easy for me to let her go.

AKB This is a tough area for Satellite coverage, and cell coverage. Tons of trees, and few cell towers. Even tho we were in a logged area, I had no cell service where she got bucked off. In that case a Satellite phone would have worked. But I can’t depend on that, PA is FULL of heavy dense tree cover, especially in the SF where we ride. I know the local Surveyors cannot often use their GPS units here, but must resort to old school lazer units. I am going to have to figure out what does work where, SPOT or whatever and go with that.

You will all be relieved to hear that we had the discussion already about Brutus. I went to visit her, and she is in a LOT of pain from bruising, and her ribs. We discussed various things relating to that day, then she asked me my honest opinion of what to do with her horse (she does not read COTH). While my first impulse was to say get RID of the %&&*%^% jerk, I pointed out that she has been thrown by him multiple times a year, for years. She had just been lucky not to get injured before. He is big, strong, athletic and she is getting older, smaller and weaker. I also told her while she loved him, he obviously did not return the favor. Luckily. we live somewhat near a guy who gets in trail horses, assesses them over multiple rides, then resells. (K&S Horse Sales) He has a reputation for honesty and really nice horses. I suggested sending him there, as he will only get more ill-mannered while she is laid up. She will probably take a bath financially but what is your intact body worth? If she sends him there (I will trailer him up tomorrow if she agrees) she will be honest about him, and I’ll talk to Kris myself too. Don’t want anyone else hurt. I just hope she makes this decision soon, as time goes by and the pain fades, she will start 2nd guessing herself. But I don’t feel it is my place to force her to do it now, we all have to make shitty adult decision sometimes, and this one is all hers.

Oddly enough I am reading a book by Michael Palmer, The First Patient that has a section in there where the hero Dr. is riding with a woman, and she gets thrown and injured. He does an assessment, determines her shoulder is broken and she is going in to shock, so he unsaddles her horse, puts the saddle under her feet to get her feet higher than her head, stabilizes her shoulder with the saddle pad, and stabilizes her neck by putting his boots, toe first up against her neck so she cannot roll her head side to side. Gotta admit none of those things would have occurred to me!! I would not remove my boots tho, might have to walk and you will have to tie your horse at some point so I’d rather not be in socks near those shod hooves. Could use something else.

If you all carry medical things, WHAT do you carry? I have Vet wrap, a diaper, a sanitary napkin,neosporin and bandaids, shoelaces, a rubber tube, benadryl for bee stings, 2 different pain relievers, and a flashlight. Limited room, but I’m open to suggestions here too.

[Guilherme]

You can’t use what you don’t have!!!

That brings us back, however, to the first principle of dealing with a disaster, “don’t have one.” If the horse won’t tie reliably then the owner should teach it. I’ve had “poor tie’ers” and they are a pain in the butt. Most we’ve been able to deal with; had one that just was never really reliable.

This brings me to an equipment thought, hobbles. If you’ve got one that won’t tie reliably then tying plus hobbles restricts the horse significantly but not totally.

When you have a situation of a serious rider injury the priority is rider first, horse second. If restricting the horse in any fashion increases risk of injury to the horse but is essential to the safety of the rider then you restrict the horse.

You were in a very bad situation and you did what you did in good faith. There are things that could have been done differently but likely would not have altered the outcome (which in this case was positive). But the owner has some big decisions to make regarding this animal and you can add hobbles to your trail riding kit!!!

Best of luck going forward.

G.

[gothedistance]

OP wrote: **While my first impulse was to say get RID of the %&&*%^% jerk, I pointed out that she has been thrown by him multiple times a year, for years. She had just been lucky not to get injured before. He is big, strong, athletic and she is getting older, smaller and weaker. I also told her while she loved him, he obviously did not return the favor. **

GOOD FOR YOU for being a TRUE friend. I applaud you!!! :applause::applause::encouragement:

While you can’t force someone to take action the way they really should for their own safety, you, at the very least, can make dead sure that she doesn’t forget how bad she was injured for something in which she did nothing wrong. It was all the horse. Please keep encouraging her to get a safe partner, and emphasize that her spook-n-spin guy would probably do world’s better owned by someone else who loves to ride and school every day, and needs an athletic fellow. She isn’t doing him any favors, and that dump and fall should be her wake-up call. Time to find him a new owner who will love him, and a new horse that will love and take care of her.

As we get older we don’t bounce anymore. We fracture and break. So “safe” should be her goal from now on. And again, you are a wonderful friend to be an honest sounding board.

[gothedistance]

If you all carry medical things, WHAT do you carry? I have Vet wrap, a diaper, a sanitary napkin,neosporin and bandaids, shoelaces, a rubber tube, benadryl for bee stings, 2 different pain relievers, and a flashlight. Limited room, but I’m open to suggestions here too.

Vet wrap, and benedryl. Water (MOST IMPORTANT!!! Used as a cleanser and for hydration), and a quick snack in the saddle bags (for quick glucose), as well as peppermints (to stop any nausea). That’s it. My bridle is (of course) a neoprene endurance bridle (with separate bit holder) so it instantly can convert to a halter, and my reins have alligator snap ends so easy-on/off, and can be used to tie up the horse. I always use a breast collar as well (again, all points are equipped with quick snaps) so in case I need any pieces of tack, it can be taken apart and used.

If you are going to be out in the boonies (I am, too, quite a lot of times alone on trails that are rarely used by anyone else) know where you can get a cell signal, and where you are in dead zones. When I’m out for 10-12 miles away from home, I also tend to carry a small pair of wire cutters, and rose bush cutters - just in case.

And if you are seriously going a distance where it might be hard for help to spot you, carry a super-lightweight blaze orange plastic square that you can use to mark where you are, as a blanket, as a signal flag, or to keep yourself dry if you are injured in bad weather. It won’t weigh more than a few ounces, but will be worth it’s weight in gold when needed.

[Palm_Beach]

@lawndart

He does not bolt, but will buck, spin, and spook violently. He is a horse that was previously owned by a very timid woman, and learned to be a bully. M had him pretty much under control, then her husband retired 2 years ago. . So she travels often, leaving her horses in the care of a teenager, who does a good job, but doesn’t really touch the horses much, and certainly doesn’t discipline them. Every time they come back from an extended vacation, it is like starting over. Her problem, and not really what I’m looking for. I agree with a vest, but I’d prefer she get a nicer horse!! Not my decision tho.

“OK, give it to me. WHAT should I have done differently? What would have been a better choice? If you have a better emergency plan, lay it out there for me. (I have asked a Dr. friend to list on paper the top 10 things to check for so I can carry it with me). I am not a nurse, or a Dr, and have minimal medical training.”

Her horse is not your problem. I wouldn’t ride with her until she gets a better handle on him.

Horses weigh 1,000 pounds and are incredibly strong and powerful. Anyone who gets on a horse that they know has issues and takes it out on a trail ride is an idiot. I don’t care if you wear a helmet and body protector with the little balloons that pop out, you can still break your neck or whatever when your horse is untrained. Getting a horse trained up is a long and sometimes boring process. But then you get to go out and enjoy all the fun things with a trusted partner. I wouldn’t ride with someone who doesn’t get this point. I’m not a trained medical responder and don’t want the responsibility of saving someone’s life or getting them out of the woods with the least amount of damage.

[lawndart]

Hobbles = Brilliant!! I’ve owned a pair for over 20 years, but bringing them along on a trail ride just never occurred to me. Glad all your brains are working better than mine.

Orange blanket is a great idea too. I’ve seen the silver, but never the orange. Will have to do some googling.

I am hoping she comes to the conclusion on her own that Brutus needs re-homing. Fingers crossed.

[cutter99]

I carry a rope halter and lead rope, hobbles, small LED flashlight, electronic compass, replacement batteries, an old fashioned compass, Excedrin Migraine, Benedryl, Tums, 2 Epi Pens, vet wrap, zip ties, 2 bright orange bandanas, tissues, a rain poncho, leather gloves, 2 disposable diapers, a couple sanitary napkins and tampons(for cuts or nosebleeds​​​​​​), 2 pieces of plastic hose, a small Bic lighter, a space blanket, a hoof pick, knife, and multi-tool. I carry my cell phone as well, more for pictures than anything else, as most places I ride do not have cell service.

If we are out for more than a couple hours, I’ll add a protein or granola bar, or trail mix. I usually carry 2 20 ounce bottles of water, but learned last year on the Trail Ride From Hell, that depending on heat and humidity, that may not be enough. I now am able to carry 4 bottles of water. Lesson learned!

One thing about hobbles- make sure your horse is hobble broke before you get into an emergency situation. It is not hard to do, but having a horse panic over being hobbled while another emergency is going on is not ideal.

[silverdog]

I have a friend that has a horse she is afraid of. He threw me on the ground trail riding and I will not ride him anymore. She wants to trail ride him. He is an ass**** and her solution is to get off and lead him. She has been told by host of people to move him along and get something quieter that she can do what she wants with but she just won’t. I don’t understand it at all. She comes up with a laundry list of excuses for his behavior. I ride with her on the farm but I am not a babysitter and will not take responsibility for inappropriately mounted riders away from home. My horse is a saint. Mostly because he gets out a lot and I have had him since he was 3.
I think you did a decent job. Probably better than I would have.