04/07/2025
Tuesday evening I took Mouse to the beach for an evening ride. We had a few lovely trots and a gentle canter which she behaved perfectly. We turned back, and instead of moving forward and following the experienced lead horse she threw herself up and went over backwards in the air. We hit the ground with such impact she couldn’t survive it. I was knocked unconscious by the impact but my riding hat made the difference between an acute head injury and a fatal one.
I was cared for by an amazing group of people - three very good friends who were with me on the beach, outstanding passers who did everything they could to help, the brilliant coast guard team and the rapid response paramedics. They kept me safe until I was airlifted to hospital where another super team were waiting for me. With the majority of the trauma to my head, my body escaped with just a fractured foot.
Watching a horse have a fatal fall is horrific and I know will haunt those on the beach that evening - but I am very glad I didn’t subject my close friends to watching my death. I think that’s something those who forgo a riding hat maybe don’t consider - whether the people in their life deserve to be put through that.
I was wearing a modern hat (2024) with the latest safety technology that had been expertly fitted in the local tack shop - and that was absolutely key. An older hat or one that didn’t fit 100% wouldn’t have stood up to this kind of impact. I was still knocked unconscious and 3 days later I’m still bed bound, but I will make a full recovery.
It will take some time processing losing a horse like this. I’m so sorry to have lost her and it’s something I still need to privately come to terms with.
I am so grateful to everyone that evening who rallied round to help me and took care of Mouse’s body, working hard to ensure we both left the beach before the tide came in.
RIP dear horse 🕊️🌊
