WTF Are We Doing?

[Samondel]

Where would the following fit on the rotational/not rotational scale? I’m not asking to challenge, and I’ve not called it a rotational, but I’m curious…

As a Foolish Youth, I was ducking over jumps. My coach informed me of the foolishness of this move. I continued to duck. Big square 3’-3’3" oxer, pony (literally; 14.1hh) tripped as his forefeet touched down after the jump, I was too far forward to be any use at all, front end stopped/crumpled, back end kept going, full somersault. But. The jump was behind us and remained untouched. Rotational? Small r rotational/rotated, but not capital R Rotational?

Everyone was fine, luckily, but I was cleaning sand out of my tack for days.

[Moshposh]

How come this hasn’t been posted by eventing nation?

[trubandloki]

@Moshposh

How come this hasn’t been posted by eventing nation?

Which this are you talking about?

[leighbo009]

@trubandloki

Which this are you talking about?

I’m guessing (but could be wrong) the recent death of the rider at Area 1 Champs BN Ditch, Jessie Aikman.

I have no knowledge of this besides what has been posted in this thread in the last 3 days.

[Moshposh]

Yes, about Jessie

[Moshposh]

I thought it was AECs?

[leighbo009]

I have no knowledge, that is just what I gathered from other posters above.

[trubandloki]

@Moshposh

I thought it was AECs?

No, the fall was at Area 1 Championships.

[Willesdon]

If it was a full tail-over-head summersault, I would suggest it was rotational. The stumble suddenly stopped forward motion. A fence doesn’t have to be involved. Sounds like a painful learning moment!

[Highflyer1]

It’s possible they aren’t aware, I haven’t seen anything official from USEA either.

[Texarkana]

@Moshposh

How come this hasn’t been posted by eventing nation?

Possibly because there aren’t many public details?

[AmmyHour926]

@Highflyer1

It’s possible they aren’t aware, I haven’t seen anything official from USEA either

Not saying I agree with this. But likely the USEA doesn’t want to report on it since general public will assume it was fall related, when for all we know it could have been other issues at the hospital or an unrelated health issue. Again I have no idea, and don’t really feel comfortable speculating, but the USEA isn’t super interested to report a death that may or may not be directly related to the sport.

[trubandloki]

@AmmyHour926

USEA isn’t super interested to report a death that may or may not be directly related to the sport.

I can not see why any governing body would want to report about a death that was not related to the sport.

Or why anyone would think it is appropriate. A person’s medical issues are not really public information.

Disclaimer - I know no details about this death other than it happened some time after the fall.

[Samondel]

Onlookers said it was the full flip. We did both walk away (pony laid still until I got up, what a good boy), and no harm done. Yes, a lesson was learned!

[Leprechaun]

It was at the Area 1 Champs not the AEC’s. My understanding is that her horse stopped at the ditch & she fell in causing paralysis & the need for a breathing machine. She chose not to live that way for the rest of her life, to have the ventilator removed & died shortly there after. So terribly sad & brave.

[Bogey2]

oh no…so sad. Thank you for the update

[Moshposh]

Absolutely tragic

[brindille]

That’s terrible

[frugalannie]

What a tragedy. My condolences to everyone who loved her and to everyone shaken by this turn of events.

I have no idea if this would have made a difference in the outcome of this particular fall, but I would encourage anyone involved with horse sports to attend a Landsafe clinic. I believe it is the responsibility of all of us to do whatever we can to mitigate the impact of a fall, and this program may help do that. https://landsafeequestrian.com/

Please note: I have no financial interest in this program, but I audited a session and remain impressed by it.

[Syrynx]

My husband credits his training from Landsafe to saving his life. Instead of hitting the indoor arena post headfirst, he took it on his shoulder, dislocating it and breaking the top of the humerous in a number of pieces. The alternative I cannot even think about.

He said he heard their voices in his head as he was flying through the air.

My deepest condolences to her family and friends. I cannot even fathom that choice and what they are all going through.