A Horse Wreck and Moments of Doubt (Episode 198) - Herm Gailey: A Lifetime with Horses
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- It happens. Ignore the signs. Get overconfident and you find yourself in a wreck. And the hospital. Here's what happened, and what I have learned from it.
About Herm Gailey:
Herm Gailey has spent a lifetime with horses. He is a nonprofessional rider who starts and trains his own horses to successful careers in multiple disciplines. Away from the show ring Herm retains a deep respect and appreciation for good reliable trail riding horses and believes that all horses benefit from this type of riding.
There is nothing for sale here. If these videos allow one person to avoid fear, frustration, or injury or help one horse get a better deal, then that is payment in full.
Filming and production by Kim Gailey-Fitting
Video Camera Company: Canon
Microphone Company: RODE
Song Credit: "Devil's Son" by Enter the Haggis
(www.enterthehaggis.com)
Never give up Herm. You are not letting the
pain and discomfort take over and make decisions for you. Stay strong cowboy. Ribs are horrible. BEEN THERE!
The big problem with rib fractures is the very real danger that the underlying organs that rubs protect can be seriously injured.
And thank God your spine is ok! I am so sorry
You are spot on. That doesn’t feel like it at the moment I know that I dodged a bullet.
Comment from Jody Oldhouser via Facebook: "So glad your neck and spine are fine and you are on the mend. Acutely aware of back injuries and how bad it could have been. That’s scary. I had lost my last two horses within 23 days of each other last May and that broke my heart. Decided at my age not to continue riding or get another horse. It truly is the end of a era and a life long love. A very, very hard decision. Looking at an empty barn and pastures hurts. We’ve know each other forever and I wish you a speedy recovery and many more hours in the saddle. Virtual hug because a real one would hurt. Enjoy your precious little granddaughter. She is a treasure. ❤"
I am so sorry you have such pain, but I am so thankful you didn't get a serious head or spine injury. ❤😢
Thanks. Could’ve been a lot worse
Speedy recovery Herm. Keep doing what you're doing! I'm enjoying all the videos and wisdom you share.
Thanks Donnie . You know me well enough to know I’m hard to kill. Thanks for your kind thoughts.
Comment from Nicole Barrett via Facebook: "Hope you heal quickly! My Hancock boy and I have been through it! At 54 I don’t bounce anymore. I have learned a lot about Hancocks from your UA-cam channel. I really appreciate you. Thank you!"
Not been there when on horseback, always been "lucky" when on a horse . Came off a motorbike at 30mph , 4 broken ribs, ouch ! . 68 now stopped riding bikes, but still get on a horse now and then , I still love the horses. So good luck in the recovery.
Excellent video and message ❤. Thank you for your honesty and leadership. I hope you heal perfectly and quickly. 😊
Thanks for your thoughts. I’m a pretty quick healer. Hope to be back horse back soon.
Herm, thank you for your honesty and humility! Two qualities that are the mark of a great horseman, whether he's in the saddle or not. (The other of course, being patience.) Being an older horseman myself I wrestle with the same questions. So this is helpful to me, and anyone who is lucky enough to "have a few birthdays on 'em" and still work with horses.
Thanks for your comment. I agree the birthdays add up. On the other hand, it’s a scientifically proven fact that people have more birthdays live longer!
Hope you heal quickly! Thank you for speaking the truth about this- my horse did much the same as yours did with a "big move" and I came off a few yrs back. I have done what I can to lower my risks and kept going. Aging is not just all in our minds and we have to be realistic about that. Good luck and Good rides on your journey back!
You are absolutely right about these events being reality checks. They can also have a value in educating us as it seems to have done for you. I plan to listen to the lesson as well. Good luck going forward.
Heah Herm, so thankful you are ok and healing from your fall. It's not easy to accept limitations as we age but it's better to accept them and adjust accordingly than to say the "Q" word. Praying for your continued healing. On another note, Keith & I moved back to York County, actually in Red Lion Borough so maybe we will see you around town. Take care, Sara B.
Welcome back. Hope our paths cross again soon.
Too many rabbits , as Warwick Schiller would say. Very useful video and sorry for your accident
I was ignoring rabbits all damn day! I know better. I know every rabbit by name. I’ll be more vigilant next time.
Mr. Gailey, I very much appreciate your frank and honest discussion of this topic ... I'm having these same discussions in my own mind, after a pretty bad wreck last June. My ribs suffered, too. As you were describing the "little" things that might have contributed to the incident, I immediately thought of something I learned from Warwick Schiller. He used the analogy of a "cup of worry," and described it this way: Let's say our horses have this empty worry cup ... then, something occurs that puts a little bit of worry in the cup ... it's not bad, but then, something else happens ... that now goes into the worry cup ... and after a while, something ELSE happens, and ... there's no more room in the cup ... so the cup runs over because the horse simply cannot handle the entire cup of worries ... and we have a wreck. As you said, you've been revisiting what went wrong, and thought about those "worries" that contributed to his big movement. Like you, I've been wrestling with a new fear I never had until June. Like you, I've decided to get back on, but do the work & pay attention to the voice in my head that tells me what my horse is feeling, coping with, and causing him to worry. We're grateful that you're healing, and that you decided to share what went wrong, and your thought process to carry on . Thank you sir.
Thanks for your comment. I’m familiar with the “cup of worries“ analogy. It is applicable to this, and many other, situations culminating in what we all too often see only as a sudden unexpected action by the horse.If we can drain off some of that worry before the cup runneth over we can live to ride another day. That will certainly be my goal going forward.
I hope you get to feeling better soon Mr. Herm. Your story gives me hope. I had a wreck several years ago that just about stopped me from riding. Now I have a green mustang who is coming out of training and I question my confidence. But my heart tells me to ride because it would break if I didn’t. Thank you !
Thanks for your thoughts. I agree with you. Take care, but get on. Good luck and good riding.
Comment from Jo-Anne Fletcher via Facebook: "Feeling your pain Herm. I lost my good old horse a few years ago and went through three 'broke' trail horses trying to replace him. I found myself being nervous riding them and came off two of them just like you- a combination of not expecting them to spook and not being as young and quick/strong as I used to be. Cracked ribs both times and wondered if I should quit riding (was in my mid-sixties, ridden all my life). All three horses went to new, younger, owners who are doing well with each of them, and I found a grandson of one of my favorite mares I had in the 1980's. As soon as I sat down on him I felt comfortable again, and three years later I am still having fun and enjoying riding. I am more aware of warning signs that I might need to pay attention to, but thankfully the fear I had riding those other three horses is not a factor on my rides with this horse. Take it as easy as you can and I hope those ribs knit up quick."
Ah yes - looking for a new horse. I once went to look at one, he was just standing there very quiet no movement. I was told I could not ride him as he had bees sting on his back, I felt sorry for the poor critter, but could see he had been drugged. It is hard to find an honest seller. I did buy one from a lady who told me the horses temperament, and things it did that could be trouble. I bought her, knew what to watch, and she was a treasure. (Haflinger mare - very smart) k
Sorry to hear of your horse wreck. I think everyone comes to that place of doubt sometime within a life time, but giving up your passion just isn't possible, I know...
Maybe it makes us turn our denial into a new perspective. Wishing you a speedy recovery! 😊
Almost inclined to think that if denial is what it takes I’ll take denial!
I am in a similar boat as you. Just turned 50 and the fact that I am not immortal is stressed more everyday! I was thrown into a panel about a year ago and broke ribs as well. Young horse on ride ten or so. What I have struggled with is I enjoy starting horses most of all, there is only so much you can do to mitigate risk involved. I don't want to quit starting them but but wreck recovery is slower and more painful it seems than in the past. I feel that quitting would letting a very enjoyable part of my life end and I don't want that.
Welcome to the boat. Sounds like we’re on a somewhat similar voyage. I think with adaptations a bit of caution and a realization of limitations both of us can still do an awful lot. I agree it would be an awful shame to give that up.
Safety vest may help. The rodeo guys wear them so must be good for something
From the time I started watching your videos, I have learned a lot about horses but even more about maturity and perspective. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your thoughts. What a nice compliment . And thanks for watching.
Hope you are well soon.
Thanks, Tim. As you know, when you fool with horses you learn to heal quick. This one will take a little while but getting better gradually. I appreciate your kind thoughts.
Thank you for this video Herm. Wife and I ate going through the same realizations
Thanks for the comment. I’m glad you got out in front of this and are considering the risks. I thought I had as well. However, I think I came up a bit short. Don’t repeat my mistakes, learn from them! Best wishes on your future rides.
❤ Sorry about your fall. I'm 71 had a bad fall a year ago. Riding with green people..They caused the accident. 3 of us on the ground at same time. I was the last to go off. I only ride with certain people now. You are right about thinking things out. Hope you get well soon 😊.
Thanks for your message. Sorry to hear you had a wreck too. On the other hand congratulations for being the last one horse back that day. Hang in there.
Thank you for such honesty about your experience, Herm, and looking forward to you sharing specifics about what you change to enhance safety.
I'm a 68 yr old who sold her last horse 30 years ago. Got a Harley instead. Made up my mind I was willing to die that way because you can't control everything or everybody. Now living in Florida where motorcycling means death-defying traffic on really boring roads with boring scenery. Pointless. So I sold the last Harley last year. Getting back into horses now but via a local trail riding outfit so the horses are worked almost daily and as close to bullet-proof as you can get. I love being back with God's most addicting animal--the horse. Happy trails 🐎
Welcome back to the world of horses. Be safe out there.
Comment from Angie Herman via Facebook: "So sorry to hear about your current situation. I totally understand what you are feeling and how quickly the doubts enter your mind. My first question after my exams in the emergency room was 'can I ride again?'. You helped me through as well as my horse friends at Our Gang. Yes I am still dealing with fear and pain but working hard at not allowing it to interfere with my communication to my horse. I love the ride too much to give it up. You got this!! Take your time to heal and if you need anything your horse friends are here to help."
Mr. Gailey: First of all, thank God you're OK! Second, THANK YOU for all these videos! Third, my steady Hancock gelding squirted forward last summer and I landed on a log... broken neck. Everything you said resonates with me. It wasn't his fault, it was my 64 year old body that couldn't ride it! Started riding again, carefully, 4 months later. Still loving my Hancock. He's only 1/2 Hancock, but the Peppy San Badger never gets the blame😂.
Thanks for your kind words. Also, I completely agree with your comment about no horse being all one single bloodline. Just because a horse is big and roan and has handcockedon his papers doesn’t mean there aren’t other influences. I’ve ridden a lot of little pappy Brad horses. I like them. I admire their athleticism and heart. On the other hand, they can make the Hancocks look like an athletic pussycats when they come apart.
Reply went out prematurely before I proofread it. Should have said “little peppy bred”and Hancock,not whatever illiterate choice spell check said before I could correct it. Just pulled the trigger too damn fast!
Sorry to hear that you got hurt. I to just broke a horse last year with that breeding. I ended up selling him just plain due to the fact I am getting older and don't do enough riding for a horse like that. It's hard because 20 to 30 years ago I would have put the miles on him he needed. Hard to let someone else have what if done correctly will become or could become, one of the best horses I ever had a leg over. I managed to not let him buck while I was on him however, I was never able to let my guard down. About 10 years ago I picked up a couple of horses from the sale barn that had not been started right and figured out I couldn't ride a bronc as well as I use to after having to dust myself off a couple of times. Still not sure I am still not sure I totally learned my lesson yet but going to be a lot pickier on the disposition of the horse from now on.
I agree sometimes you have to except that you backed the wrong horse. I’m not there with this one. This was pretty out of character. On the other hand, your gentler source can hurt you the worst. Makes you think. Thanks for your kind words and good luck with your future projects.
I always tell my kids or really anyone I put on a horse. “There is nothing safe about what we are about to do”
Well said. It is just a fact of life that there are unavoidable dangers. All we can do is mitigate them and avoid the consequences as best we can.
Dear Mr Gailey, I'm very sorry to hear this. Get well soon!
Thanks. Hoping to be loosened up and back in business in a few weeks.
@@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses Sure, keep my fingers crossed for you!
Get well soon
No quitting
Right on.
the worst incident I had was a contusion on the back of my ribs pushing on my lung. three days of pure hell.
Ouch! I can imagine the pain from that injury. Nothing like being a bit beat to add a bit of empathy. Glad to hear you recovered well.
Oh boy can I emphasize with you. Mare spooked at god knows what coming home from a trail ride at dusk right as the sun was beginning to set,and I lost control of her head and went off her back and landed on mine at a 45 degree angle. She went literally from 0-60 in two microseconds with no warning. I’m still working on getting my confidence back. When I’m in a controlled environment, I’m better, but I’m scared to death of trail riding. It’s like everything I knew about horseback riding was wiped out like a computer hard drive. I never thought I would be scared to death of riding. I came damn close to almost cashing in. I’m glad I didn’t. I still have my mare. She is always going to be my mare.
What a nice comment. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Sorry. My original response really isn’t responsive to your comment and was posted in error. There are so many of us who have been hurt while riding or working with horses. I’m glad to hear you haven’t hung up your saddle. Be safe and keep doing what you love.
Hi Herm. Glad you're ok! Here's my rib story:
I once boarded my young mare at a boarding barn that had a small gully running through the back yard. It was maybe three feet wide and three deep. It had been built there to facilitate run-off...we had always ridden around it to get to the arena.
Recently, though, the barn owner had installed a large pipe and filled in a portion of the gully to enable access across for wheelbarrows, etc. My young mare was awfully suspicious of this new feature, of course. I rode up to it and attempted to cross over. She declined the invitation. The owner was present, just having finished work on it. I set my reins down and began chatting with the gentleman. I wasn't thinking about my mare at all; just letting her "soak" facing this new obstacle. A few minutes passed when suddenly, "out of the blue" she got brave and decided to leap across the newly built crossing. I, of course, wasn't ready; summersaulting straight backwards off her hips, across her tail and down behind her! She did nothing wrong. She'd gathered all of her courage and negotiated the scary obstacle!!!! Lol. I broke ribs!! It's a funny story now. At the time, not so much....😂. I wish you a speedy recovery, Herm.
Isn’t that how things go! Glad you healed up and look forward to doing the same myself. Thanks for your thoughts.
Take care of yourself
Thanks, though messing around with horses and taking care of one cell for almost contradiction in terms. I promise I’ll do my best and thanks for your kind wishes
Sorry this happened Mr. Gailey, but glad you were not hurt worse. As Jesus said in John 16:33, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Looking forward to your future insightful videos. May the Lord bless you & speed your recovery!
Thanks for your kind words and the assurance that things do get better.
I ride Western, but I will admit that sometimes I think English riders are better prepared...always a helmet, protective vests, even air vests, padded breeches, etc.
No questions that the Yvennurson hunt Seaters are ahead of the rest of us recognizing risks and mitigating them. One of the nurses in the hospital is a mountain biker and said that broken ribs convinced him to wear a vest. Makes you think. Thanks for your comment and your thoughts.
Wow. Auto dictate did me dirty. Meant to say eventers and hunt seaters.
Well I guess I'm going to say it..that's a hancock for you..its not if with Hancock's its when..sorry I have no patience for them..MAJOR Wipeout..wasn't the first with a hancock but was going to be the last with one of those back stabbing so and sos..
Don’t think I didn’t think of the Hancock angle. Hard to blame it all on bloodlines but this kind of unexpected blowup is not totally uncharacteristic of that line of horses. On the other hand I have a pretty substantial history with this gelding and he has always been solid as a rock. I’m more inclined to attribute this to a good horse having a bad moment. I hope I’m right.
@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses I'm glad you atleast considered it instead of dismissing it out of hand..I hope he doesn't repeat..I also hope you heal quickly..ribs are horrible but age adds to how long it takes as well..just watch him..now that he's done it once and gotten you off he may try for a repeat..
Talk about deja vu Mr Gailey!!!!! Two weeks ago I went out for a short first trail ride of the season on my 9 year old mare. A couple of days before I had ridden her for the first time in our small arena for 45 minutes and this day had ridden her for less than that inside and rushed to get her out for a short ride since the trails would soon go to crap with the coming thaw.Usually I would have been outside on her once a week or so in the snow but this year has been such a mess she was off from November until the middle of February. I did no ground work on this day because she had been good and it would get dark soon (hear the coming disaster music rising??? I didn't!) She rode out fine and happy and was good until we turned to head home. She started to get wound up and wanting to hurry home so I started her circling to the right, a couple of laps and her head was lowering when she shied at something, made one side of the circle flat, and left me right there on my left shoulder. No bounce, no roll, no grace, just a fat old man going whomp on the back of my shoulder but I had my helmet on! After doing a hasty inventory I got up surprisingly well, gimped back to a down tree for a mounting block and got back on and rode back to the barn. Ribs and shoulder blade have been sore but getting better slowly (could always take a slow deep breath) but my wife and I got Bronchitis three days after and the coughing and hacking with that has been pure HELL. I am dumb enough that I will ride again soon but will have more ground work first . Heal well Herm!
I am sorry to hear of your accident, however your resolve to get back on motivates me to do the same with mine !
Just to prove my technological incompetence I posted my response to you to somebody else’s comment. Bottom line, I wish I had known you fell off, then I would not have had to do so myself! Either way, glad to hear you’re on the mend and good luck going forward.
jeepers, that's no fun, haven't watched your channel for a while (not sure why), but anyway, it's great to have a catch up, despite the circumstances. Wishing you a very speedy recovery!! Btw, I"ve only had bruised ribs, (thought they must have been broke), so I have some understanding of the situation. All the best!❤
Thanks for your thoughts. On whatever level broken or bruised ribs are not enjoyable. On the other hand, they do tend to heal up.
Wish I’d known you fell off. Then I would not of needed to. Let me know in advance next time! Good to hear you’re on the mend
Comment from Melinda Siri via Facebook: "Ugh! Broken ribs are tough. You do make me feel better so thank you for sharing. Same scenario about two yrs ago, I questioned myself too much about the 'I should have known he’d spook.'"
Comment from Carla Seitz via Facebook: "Sorry to hear about your horse wreck. Take care Herm. I know the feeling, been there, done that, but at a much younger age. I wish you the best. Do those breathing exercises. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏for a speedy recovery"
Comment from Mary Shirey via Facebook: "Sorry to hear about your injuries, yeah Birthdays can add to more pain, you are stubborn so you'll be back at it in no time."
It's a hard time in a horsemans life! I used to love to train colts, now I still love it in my mind but I care for so many and can't be laid up that I've had to back down. Hope you heal quickly and get back in the saddle soon.
Thank you for this timely reminder about being careful. I'm older than you, also with diminished balance and reaction time, so I very much appreciate it and wish you all the best.
Thanks. Be safe out there and saddle up.
Lifetime horsewoman here - rode until 81, then femur gave way while doing chores, and I realized I am done riding. Like Roy rogers said something like when you are old you don't break, you shatter. My horse who I had just fed kept coming to check on me as I could not move, finally my son realized something was wrong and came outside. Horse is old too, and was semi retired, just little short rides and is now retired at a friends ranch. But I have lots of memories. Most good, some bad - those "flying lessons" are not fun. You look young compared to me, so hopefully will be back in the saddle soon. God bless. K
Thanks for the kind words, especially the one about looking good! Thanks for watching and hope you still enjoy your relationship with your good old horse.