Egg Lou Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 (edited) Sorry to post this but feeling really bad and its nice just to get it off my chest as feel so guilty and upset I have two horses and each time the farrier comes I have another stable friend who usual gets them in for me as I work about an hour away from yard. She was due to get my big lad in today for his new shoes, however I have just had a horrific phone call from someone else at the yard and very upset.. My friend was leading Oscar out ( he's a big strong lad of 16hh) when he spooked... somehow the leadrope got caught around her hand and she was dragged about 20 feet.. the initial call told me her fingers had been taken off completly and arm totally dislocated.. ambulance crew were everywhere and trying to save limb.. Spent several frantic minutes calling others to find out how bad it really was as horrifed and an hour away so totally helpless and shocked myself.. I have found out that although not as bad as first suggested she is in quite a bad way.. has dislocated thumb, to thumb taken off, already has a damaged back so even worse, and obviously in emormous pain.. She is currently in hospital and awaiting surgery.. I am getting updates but feel so bad as although she is very experienced ultimatly he is my horse and therefore I am fully responsible.. don;t know what to do and quite frankly if I could would give up the horses completly ( don't worry no rehoming requests here as have them for life) can't think rationally but really upset by whole thing and not even me thats hurt so god only knows how she feels .. feel so sorry for her Edited June 30, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Am very sorry to hear it. Don't blame yourself. Accidents come out of the blue and with animals there is always that extra unknown factor. Wishing your friend well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riane Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 So sorry to read your news. I can understand how you must be feeling. Hopefully the medical care will make her as comfortable as possible and she is in good hands getting the best care she needs. I hope things calm down through the day for you and you get the support you need from your family and friends. sending a big hug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 (edited) How terrible, poor you and your poor friend. It's always worse when it's someone helping you out or doing you a favour, makes you feel ten times worse. Take some time out, put the kettle on and take some deep breaths. Have some Bach Rescue Remedy if you've got some then think it through logically. I bet you know really that she won't blame you or Oscar in the slightest, animals come with risk, it's one of those things, wrong place, wrong time, it could have easily been you. She's in the right hands, they'll make her comfortable and hopefully be able to repair the damage. I know I'd be racked with guilt and would overdo the practical help, so you could always go down that route, but please please don't beat yourself up. I hope you hear some good news about her recovery, hope your horse is none the worse for his ordeal, and that you can breathe deeply and take a step back so that you can get through it with her. Mrs Bertie Edited because I have the memory of a goldfish and called your horse Ollie Edited June 18, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 So sorry to hear you bad news but please don't blame yourself. Horses are beautiful but unpredictable animals and no one can be blamed. Hope you and your friend recover soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 oh the poor girl, that's a horrific accident but that's what it is, an accident, you're not to blame, she's not to blame, the horse isn't to blame. It's just a set of circumstances that "Ooops, word censored!"ody could have predicted that ended in a tragic accident. Please don't blame yourself, it's not your fault, it's "Ooops, word censored!"ody's fault. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Don't feel too guilty these things happen, and like the others have said it's the risk you take with horses. I was riding a friends horse years ago and had a freak accident, damaging my shoulder badly. I have never blamed the horse or my friend, I put it down to one of those risks you take with horses. I am sure the medics will do all they can to fix your friend up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hils78 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 First things first put yourself in her situation - would you blame her for the accident? no Experienced horse owners know the risks & are all too aware of freak accidents. Exactly what this is. Something I would ask is was the lead rope wrapped round her hand or not? My big toe joint is now fused & doesn't bend due to my friends horse who spooked & broke my toe - I don't blame her one bit. She spent months beating herself up until I had to give her a good talking to! You are NOT fully responsible - its like children under the care of teachers, they are responsible for them at that time. Have a cuppa & a good dose of Bach Rescue Remedy. Keep your chin up. Hx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Ah Bless what a horrible thing to get a call about! just one of those unfortunate accidents no one could predict. Dont feel bad Im sure your friend feels the same that it was just a freaky accident. Hoping your friend is well again soon!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 ...Something I would ask is was the lead rope wrapped round her hand or not? .... that's something we were always told NOT to do at my riding school for this exact reason. I'm sure if she was experienced with horses she would have known this as it's a big NO NO where horses are concerned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helen&Lee Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Echo what the others have said, its always terrible when you just can't get there. I'm sure your friend wouldn't have agreed to do it if she didn't feel confident she could handle Oscar, he could have been spooked with you handling him and the outcome could be the same. Best wishes for your friend, Helen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted June 18, 2008 Author Share Posted June 18, 2008 Thank you everyone I knew you would all be able to say the right things, just can't stop feeling so guilty. At work which makes it worse as getting so uptight! Not sure about the rope yet as would be really surprised if it was wrapped around her hand.. she has been round horses long enough to know thats a big no no.. I can inly think that as he spooked he probably went up which tangled the rope before charging off.. Just had update.. she is going down to theatre soon as most the thumb bone is bare so sounds like flesh came away fully. Thank you for all your kind thought.. I will go and see her as soon as allowed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 I wish your friend a speed recovery. Don't beat yourself up about this, its an accident. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 I'm sorry that this has happened, & that you are far away from the incident & therefore helpless to help in any practical way, but please remember it is an accident, & your friend will see it that way. too. Hope the surgery goes well for her. How is Oscar? (((((hugs)))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Ditto from me as well - I hope your friend makes a speedy recovery. Things may all look better later........shock and distance will not be helping you come to terms with it at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted June 18, 2008 Author Share Posted June 18, 2008 I'm sorry that this has happened, & that you are far away from the incident & therefore helpless to help in any practical way, but please remember it is an accident, & your friend will see it that way. too. Hope the surgery goes well for her. How is Oscar? (((((hugs)))) Thank you! Oscar is fine( the little**!!) someone else managed to removed headcollar and let him settle down.. he has now been caught and taken in for shoes with his "girlfriend" to keep him settled.. He is usually quite calm but as you all say they are a bit unpredictable.. Yes I will be trying to help her as much as possible as will be her debt for a very long time poor thing however I am also managing with a semi dislocated shoulder all strapped up right now so not up to much myself which makes it really hard to help.. just hoping that the surgery is sucessful as if she loses use of hand it will be awful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Big Big Hugs You must be feeling awful - I know when i fell from a horse last year its owner felt bad - but it wasnt his fault - or the horses. She wont blame you. If she is experienced with horses she will know about them - and will know that the only predictable thing about them is their unpredictability. Reading your post I did wonder if she had the rope round her hand? Do you have liability insurance with the horse? If so you should notify them JUST in case she wants to make a claim - and if she does remember it is not against YOU she is claiming - but your insurance so it is not personal. And dont blame Oscar - he has no idea of what he has done - and even though it has been horrific he still deserves your love. If I were you I would try and get to his stable /field tonight to see him and spend some time with him - make sure he is ok. xxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted June 18, 2008 Author Share Posted June 18, 2008 Big Big Hugs You must be feeling awful - I know when i fell from a horse last year its owner felt bad - but it wasnt his fault - or the horses. She wont blame you. If she is experienced with horses she will know about them - and will know that the only predictable thing about them is their unpredictability. Reading your post I did wonder if she had the rope round her hand? Do you have liability insurance with the horse? If so you should notify them JUST in case she wants to make a claim - and if she does remember it is not against YOU she is claiming - but your insurance so it is not personal. And dont blame Oscar - he has no idea of what he has done - and even though it has been horrific he still deserves your love. If I were you I would try and get to his stable /field tonight to see him and spend some time with him - make sure he is ok. xxxxx Thank you I will be seeing him later as always and do love him always.. although not sure he will get a cuddle just yet I have also informed my insurance company as believe she will ( and dare I say it..she should ) claim, particularly as she may have trouble long term.. I have full liability as usually a responsible owner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Remember that if she claims under your public liability claim she (or her solicitors) will need to prove your negligence - you failed in your duty of care - which she might find harder to prove because she is an experienced horse owner / keeper, and that she has always been happy to take your horse down for shoeing Obviously I dont know what your specific policy says, but it is worth being aware of. Our "boys" send you lots of neighs and winnies xxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutrix Farmers Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 An accident is just that, an accident. No-one is to blame unless someone spooked your horse deliberately. As for a claim, Mel is right, she will have to prove you were at fault! Can't imagine how you feel now but I hope you get over the shock really soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 cabt say anything more than what others have said, but wanted to send my best wishes to your friend. Accidents do happen unfortunately Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted June 18, 2008 Author Share Posted June 18, 2008 Remember that if she claims under your public liability claim she (or her solicitors) will need to prove your negligence - you failed in your duty of care - which she might find harder to prove because she is an experienced horse owner / keeper, and that she has always been happy to take your horse down for shoeingObviously I dont know what your specific policy says, but it is worth being aware of. Our "boys" send you lots of neighs and winnies xxxx Oh didn't realise this to be honest.. I thought she could just claim for accidental injury? this is not good as though at least this would help her longer term.. I will check policy and thanks for pointing this out.. Poor girl will be in surgery now so hope shes ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Who are you insured with lovely? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nutmeg Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Oh Egg Lou so sorry to hear about your friend and how horrible for you aswell. I am sure that your friend being an animal lover will see that it was an accident. Thinking of you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Nothing useful to add, but I hope your friend's hand is not as bad as it first seemed and that she makes a full and speedy recovery. As everyone else has said, accidents happen and animals are unpredictable. Keep your chin up, Doll! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
