5-Year-Old Dies In Freak Horse Riding Accident

It does make sense for people to write an angry comment, because they might feel that the accident was not a "freak" accident, but a result of negligence and bad judgement. I think that putting a very small person on an actual horse is kind of like leaving a gun in your living room. Obviously people feel bad for the adults who are mourning the child, but also the child had a right to be protected and looked out for. I rode for years and I never started until I was 10, although I have friends who rode little ponies when they were younger. I have been looking into getting a small pony for children in my family, but still have reservations and might only let them do leadline riding. Lately I have been riding a large racehorse and the feeling of being out of control when the animal has a mind of its own is terrifying. A little child doesn't have the physical strength to even make a horse notice it pulling or kicking or even trying to hang on. My little nieces can't even control our Great Pyrenees dog. It's terrible to use profane language in this kind of comment block, but it's true that people sometimes overestimate what their children can do. The book "Barn Blind" by Jane Smiley is a good example. The main character's son dies in the end of the book. It wasn't a freak accident, because the author shows how a lot of factors led up to it. But the main responsibility is really with the barn manager and teacher. They know the horses and ponies, and are supposed to be the experts who advise parents. I went to a nice stable nearby to ask about boarding and lessons. The manager said that her youngest student is 4 and gestured to a fairly large pony as the mount for the child. I thought that was surprising but she is a really nice lady and seems trustworthy. However, I still wouldn't have put my niece on that animal. Maybe it's my own years of riding, falling, being kicked in the head and face, and being crushed under a horse that makes me think I wouldn't do that. You get stronger as you grow and little ones are too delicate and frail for the kind of abuse that riders' bodies almost inevitably have to take. Some accidents are freak ones. Some are not--they are just very sad and terrible, but they teach the rest of us to be even more cautious and conservative when it comes to teaching young people to enjoy horses as safely as possible.

That little girl was my neice. Please have some respect, burying your child is hard enough.

Sammy wrote:

Who the F&*^ would let a 5 year old on a 1500 pound horse. Typical, parents trying to live their lives through their children. Because they have the money to do it. A child is dead because of your selfishness. UnF&^(ing believable. Rest in peace little girl. Parents, I hope you suffer for your selfishness, the rest of your lives. YOU killed your daughter, on one else.

may the Lord be with you and your family thru this time and we are know one to judge blame you or any one else for what happened, we never know when something could happen to us or some one we are very close to i send my sympathy and prayers to your family

italy is stupid

IN MOST STATES YOU CAN NOT SUE FOR INHERT RISKS>
HOWEVER YOU CAN SUE HAVING SOMEONE LET THEM RIDE A HORSE THE IS NOT CHILD PROOF> SUCH AS THE HORSE SHOULD HAVE BEEN SPOOKED IN PLACE MEANS THAT IF IT GETS SCARED IT WILL STAND STILL NO MATTER WHAT
SMIPLEY PUT IF A four wheeler came out of no where the horse would not move no insurance will allow a child under six to ride on a horse no amount of money can bring the little girl back but maybe a huge lawsuit will save some lives inthe future the child must wear a helmet and boots. if you can prove that the horse has ever bucked and gotten scared you can sue good luck and god bless my son was riding when he was two and a half years old he was riding all by himself when he was three years old the horse was well behaved and taught not to step or run over people however one day it spooked and my son came off and hit the hard ground three days in intense care and three days in regular hospital he still rides the difference was the horse was trained not to step on or kick people yeas it is true

So sorry for your whole family. Things happen there is no answer for why. I have ridden and worked with horses all my life. Both daughters have also. We have all taken falls bad ones and funny ones and we always got right back on. There is nothing wrong with a 5 year old riding a pony. It sounds like everything was done according to safe riding. Don't let anyone make you feel wrong or bad about what happen I know no one could make you feel any sadder over having her go so early in her life. Take this hole in your hearts and fill it up with helping others. Best way to remember her and take care of others in need. Best thing for you all. Take care God Bless

keep your comments to yourself and a 4 your old really should not be aloud to ride a horse to tell the truth

hi you guess are freaks letting a 4 year old ride a horse

i lobe horsez

**** are you guys thinking

ive been riding since i was 12 and my friend started when she was 4 she has fallen before but has never broken a bone or had concussion or anything like that so in my opinion this was just a freak and very unfortunate accident.

Sammy wrote:

Who the F&*^ would let a 5 year old on a 1500 pound horse. Typical, parents trying to live their lives through their children. Because they have the money to do it. A child is dead because of your selfishness. UnF&^(ing believable. Rest in peace little girl. Parents, I hope you suffer for your selfishness, the rest of your lives. YOU killed your daughter, on one else.

I can't believe anyone could be so cruel or judgemental! I hope to God you never have to go through anything like this? Do you have any idea what these parents are going through and who are you to judge these people? Do you not think they are going through enough pain?! I have never met anyone so insensitive!!!
I don't you waste my time responding but I could not help myself on this one!!!!

Paula wrote:

Our hearts go out to the Family of the little girl!
As far as the "trainer"..... certified, insured, experienced adult ???????
Just a thought, children should not be training children.

not certified, not insured, and barely an adult

hi

so sad

michelle wrote:

I am so heartbroken about this. My heart goes out to the family who must be devastated. As a girl who was absolutely horse-crazy growing up, I went on to ride and compete and it is true that it is a dangerous sport. I have fallen off more times than I can recount, once ending up in the hospital. I still ride.
This child probably begged to ride and I really doubt it was about bragging rights for parents. My 7.5 year old daughter also loves horses and had to wait until she was 7 to start riding. She takes lessons at a place that seems extremely safe, on a pony, and I watch her like a hawk - I know that even the most gentle horses can spook or do something unpredictable.
That said, this seems like a freak accident; things like this can and have happened doing all sorts of activities - little league, gymnastics, etc.
What I want to know is was it a horse or a pony she fell from? What kind of helmet was she wearing? Did they make sure it fit properly? Did the trainer use safety stirrups (they have a thick rubber band instead of iron on the outside that releases in case a child's foot gets stuck).
My prayers go out to everyone involved. This is tragic.

the "pony" was one hand shy of horse,