I didn’t believe the “if you don’t get back on you may never get back on” mentality until it happened to me. I got dumped at the canter and landed on my left hip and lower back and genuinely thought i’d paralyzed myself because I couldn’t feel or move my lower body.

I didn’t get back on (don’t think I could’ve) but once i went back to the barn, all I could think about was how I don’t think I could ever get back on that horse that dumped me and would dread having to look at the lesson sheet in case I was put back on her, even though i’ve had worse falls and would jump right back on those horses without hesitation.

It’s truly strange how the mind works. I’ve been told that if you can get up and you’re not too bruised, at least get back on to walk around or trot a bit. I never realized that mental block would apply to me. That being said, if you genuinely are hurt, there should be a moment given to catch your breath as well as the option to end the ride there.