Tragic Horseback Incidents That Shouldn't Be Forgotten...

I have ridden a horse before, but not professionally or on a regular basis for that matter. They are genuinely beautiful creatures with such a kind and gentle nature towards all. Sadly, they are relatively big animals and riding them on uneven terrain, during poor weather or at high speeds can sometimes lead to tragedy. Whether horse or human injured, the loss is great. Here are a few cases of horse riding incidents that deserve to be remembered.

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Emily's Note For Readers:

Reader discretion is advised - please be aware that these stories may be upsetting, don't read any further if you think they may have a negative emotional impact on you.
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Daniel Smith, 6th September 2006

Mandy Berry

Our first incident involves an eleven year old boy who was killed by a horse who kicked him in the side of the head during a trip out. The victim, eleven year old Daniel Smith was knocked unconscious instantly. His mother, Amanda, who witnessed the accident tried to resuscitate him using mouth-to-mouth. Upon being air-lifted to hospital, paramedics were unable to revive him, and he sadly passed a day after the accident happened. Siblings, thirteen year old Matthew and eight year old Jacqueline paid their tributes to their brother.

The accident occurred when Daniel was walking beloved horse Willow in fields around the Etwall, Derby area. Something startled the horse during their walk, meaning she leapt out, accidentally kicking Daniel in the side of the head. He had just begun studying at The John Port School in Etwall, and returned home on his second day to go out riding.

Willow was not Daniel's horse. The family owned four horses in total, including Clover, Pickles and Sally Ann, which was his. The funeral took place in St Helen's Church in Etwall, and his coffin was taken to the church in a horse drawn carriage. Exactly what he would have wanted.

Mandy Berry, 8th October 2017

Mandy Berry was best known as being a personal assistant to many famous faces, including Carol Vorderman and Noel Edmonds. She was riding her horse, Crumlin with friends, but the accident occured when she was heading home by herself, going ahead of the others. When her friends caught up, all they found was her lifeless body, none of them are exactly sure how the accident happened. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Mandy passed away not long after their arrival.

Many of the celebrities she has helped find their way to fame have written social media posts in her memory, notably Timmy Mallett's tweet:

"Numb heartbroken
Dearest Mandy Berry @ John Miles Org special friend agent inspiration #RIP
Thank you for being in our lives."

Steven Hughes, 28th February 2012

Cousin of famous footballer Paul Gascoigne passed away whilst in Newcastle General Hospital, receiving treatment. He survived three days after the accident in which he was thrown from the family horse. His parents and siblings swore to never forget his memory. The accident happened when Steven and his father were riding together in Gateshead, when something spooked the horse and caused it to jolt forward. The two were sitting in the cart behind the horse when it happened. The cart mounted the pavement before hitting a car, leaving Steven to be thrown approximately fourteen feet in the air. He died after breaking his skull which hit the front of a house, knocking him unconscious.

Steven's family have been raising money regularly for the hospital and it's doctors who tried to save his life. At the time of the written article, over £2,000 had been raised and donated.

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Extended Section!

I've Been Involved in a Horse Riding Accident and I'm Not Sure If I Want to Give Up Riding..
I can only imagine the dilemma you must go through after recovering from an accident, though I've never been in this position myself, I have scoured the web for some tips from others who have been through the same. You are not alone on this one.

★ Wait and see how you feel after recovery is over.

Nobody can expect you to make such a decision if you are focused on becoming yourself again, this is a big decision and will need lots of thought.

★ Only you can decide what's best for you and your horse.

Although getting another opinion is helpful, you are the main person who knows how they feel and what they really want, no matter how long it may take to find out the answer. Don't let others tell you what you should and shouldn't do, not unless you agree with them personally.

★ Give it a try, you can always change your mind.

Most of the anxiousness is based on the anticipation of not riding since the accident. Familiar surrounds, terrain and noises may make you feel a little uneasy, but the chances of the same thing occurring are very slim. Once trying to ride again, if you still don't feel like this is for you anymore, then you can stop there, there is always the option to change your mind.

★ Stopping riding isn't the end of the road.

Many horse owners wouldn't be without their beloved pets. This doesn't have to be the case. There are plenty of others things you can do with horses rather than riding them. Grooming them or walking alongside them are a great way to rekindle that bond, and maybe even encourage you to want to ride again.

★ Buy a horse suitable for you if needs be.

If you want to sell the horse involved or buy another one just for riding, that's perfectly okay. Maybe a smaller, or more relaxed horse would calm your nerves, and slowly get you used to being on a horse again.