Four weeks ago, today, I got a new saddle for my new Tennessee Walker, Frosty. I was so excited to go to Horse Hill and toss it over his back. What a great horse Frosty is. He's no Buttercup (who could or ever would be?); but he's my hubby horse... Pat will have his own companion when we go out trail riding with our couple friend trail riders.
The saddle didn't really fit Frosty; in fact, it was a smidge too big. I didn't bother to get my tack hole puncher; I just hopped on and took a brisk tour of the 5 acre pasture. I wasn't worried because I am a great bareback rider... in fact, it's one of only two life skills to which I naturally took an immediate skill (ice skating being the other). I just balanced that ill fitting saddle on his back and enjoyed the wind blowing through my hair (what's the use of a head if you can't feel the wind blowing through your hair?).
After a while, I spied something in my pasture and decided to get down and check it out. My middle aged, addled brain seemed to have completely forgotten the ill fitting saddle. As I slid to the ground, the saddle slid with me causing me to lose my balance. Everything after that seems kind of surreal and slow motionish. I remember thinking out loud... tuck and roll, Jan, tuck and roll. But, instead, I stuck my left arm out to break my fall... and... well, snap it went!
Now, I do what I always do in a crisis situation. I fainted. The next thing I remember was Frosty running and bucking like a maniac all over the pasture. I feared for his safety in the midst of the intense pain I was feeling (was this like a sprained ankle or worse?). Somehow in that 96 degree heat, I struggled to my feet and began the journey back to my horse trailer. My arm was really smarting by this time, and Frosty was rather agitated still bucking and running.
Somehow, I got back to the trailer and laid down in the tack room. I pulled out my iphone and tried to dial family and friends. But, my hands were so soaking wet with sweat that the buttons wouldn't seem to press. Finally, I dried them off (ow-ow-ow) and managed to get my buddy Jo (who sent her darling daughter in law Jennifer and grandchildren to the scene immediately) and then husband Pat and son Bo.
I kept cooing to Frosty until he finally settled own and came to me. I unfastened his saddle and reins and just dropped them to the ground, laid down in the tack room, and waited for help to arrive. The entire left arm immediately began to swell to unbelievable proportions. By the time Pat and Bo arrived, it was pretty clear an emergency room visit was in store. Long story short.... it was broken and a splint and lots of extra duty narcotic pain killers began to become a part of my life until Tuesday when the orthopedic surgeon fixed me up.
Today marks four weeks since my last ride; it also marks my first day back in the saddle again. Sarah, my trainer, came and helped me saddle both horses; and I began to ride again. She wondered if I were scared... if the pain were still bad (short cast now). Nope, after breast cancer and treatment, this was just a hang nail in the scheme of things.
What a blessing my horses are. Life is very, very good.
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