Rashad saved Ethan's life

[shewasmyshadow]

I've never been so proud of Rashad then I was today!! We had a freak accident with the horses today.

I had Rashad tied and saddled. My son Ethan kept running around behind the horses, so I put him up on Rashad to keep him safe. As he was sitting there Faith mounted up on Monte and Monte freaked (we don't know why) and ran toward Rashad. He ran into the side of Rashad, while Rashad was tied there. Rashad stood like the great wall of China while Monte rammed into him and nearly climbed over him. Ethan was screaming and crying. I tried to grab Ethan down, but his instincts kept him holding onto the horn and I could not get him down. Eventually Monte turned and somehow he took Ethan was him. Ethan was thrown across the yard and I was sure he would be trampled, but God protected him even in the midst of certain bodily harm. I was praying and screaming all at the same time! (This all happened in the space of several seconds, by the way.) When I got to Ethan he was unscathed. He had a tiny bump on his head and a tiny scrape on his hip. He was mentally hysterical, but who can blame him!

As I started thinking about it I realized if Rashad had moved over for Monte, then Ethan would have fallen in between the horses and probably would have been killed. Instead he stood as still as he could. Faith was thrown too and a head bump and a bruise on her hip. She's okay, though. Later on we went to untie the lead rope and the "safety knot" had been pulled so tight it could not be undone. The friction of Rashad leaning on it had caused the nylon to melt. That just showed us the amount of weight Rashad held up in order to keep Ethan and himself up and away from Monte's hooves.

We did go on to have a wonderful ride. Ethan never doubted that Rashad would never intentionally hurt him. He didn't hesitate to climb right back up, though he now thinks Monte is "mean".

I've never been more thankful for God's tender watch over my family or for His hand in bringing Rashad into my life. Thank you Lord!

I will tell you now that Ethan didn't have a helmet on. Ethan will now wear a helmet when he rides. Although, I am more concerned about his chest. Does anyone know if they make chest protection for kids?

I have some stuff for sale in the classifieds section. Hurry up and buy it, so I can afford to buy him a helmet! In the mean time, Ethan will not ride until he has one.

[Peggy Sue]

Yes they make little safety vest for the kids not sure where you would get one though ..

Glad everybody is ok....

this is one reason I always separate horses when mounting ... if there is a tied horse or even another horse near I will take a few steps away to give all the horses some room

[Aina]

Wow! God was really watching out for Ethan. I think sometimes his angels take on four legs and a tail. Rashad is awesome!

[CaddoCinnamon]

You have an awesome horse there. Rashad is one horse that Ethan will never forget. I hope and pray that doesn't happen again. I to am right now looking for helmets for me and the kids as well. I am glad that noone was hurt in all of that.

[Animal Lover]

Thank God he's safe. God & Rashad took good care of him.
You can get chest protectors at motorcycle shops. Kids wear them for dirt bikes & 4 wheelers. I've seen some really small ones. You might be able to find one at one of those resale sport shops. It's been a long time since I've been in a bike shop so I couldn't tell you a price. You might look online for bull riding equipment too.

[shewasmyshadow]

I want to get this helmet. Any idea what size Ethan would need?

http://www.horse.com/item/troxel-sport-schooling-helmet/SLT650530/

[All4Grace]

they make safety vest for kids that do the little "rodeos"... sheep riding i can't remember what the little event is called as of now.

I am so glad Ethan and Faith are ok. It was a freak accident that made my sister so adament on the kids wearing helmets. Once they hit 16 it's there choice until then, they have to wear one.

Rashad is one in a million and i know I don't have to tell you that!!

I'm glad everyone came out relatively ok.
http://www.smartpakequine.com/productclass.aspx?productClassid=4770 the vest most of the youngs kids I knew back east wore while jumping and general riding.

[Peggy Sue]

http://www.chicksaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CBP042

[Peggy Sue]

http://sporting-goods.shop.ebay.com/Equestrian-/3153/i.html?_nkw=Child%27s+Body+Protector+Vest&_catref=1&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282

[vicklynn]

GO Rashad!! Thank God!!
I am glad Ethan is ok! Faith too!

Scared the crap out of me just reading it. I cant imagine how you felt.

Kinda gives ya a moment of, oh heck, I dont know, in between tears and chills.
Im glad God was watching out for you, and Rashad is the horse he is!!

I am with Peggy Sue though, never mount next to another horse. You need stupid space, just in case the horse gets stupid.

[Petra]

I'm glad nobody got hurt! It must have been so scary.

[shewasmyshadow]

Well, I'm ordering the helmet here in the next couple of weeks (before riding again), then I'll start saving for the chest protection. In the mean time, would everyone be on the look out for used ones? PM if you find a good one. I'm assuming those are okay to get used. Is that okay?

[shewasmyshadow]

I'm glad nobody got hurt! It must have been so scary.

It was! There is NOTHING like the hurt and worry you feel for your babies.

[oursarge]

Yeah we always mount horses seperately too, when they are tied we're always careful of one pulling back since it has happened, horses who never did it before will one day decide they don't want to be there. When rides go out everyone goes one by one into the middle to mount.

Glad all is well, Rashad is a wonder horse. What a precious boy he is. I am so happy Ethan is OK and he was a real cowboy and got back on! Glad others knew about the chest protectors, I know they have tiny helmets since the stable has the little ones for the tiny kids, I know they have adult chest protectors in the tack shop but I wasn't sure about them for kids. I was thinking about getting one for me since I'm an accident waiting to happen!

[oursarge]

Have you checked e-bay? They might have something on there. I normally check e-bay for everything. I got Frye boots for about $34.99 or something like that last week. Good luck in your search.

[farmers_wife]

It was a freak accident. Not sure what happened. I got on Monte and he ramed into Rashad and I was trying to pull him back off and not sure if Ethan grabbed a hold of Monte bridle and when Monte turned he pulled Ethan off. When he turned he threw in a buck and I fell off. I was more worried about Ethan. I have a bruised head, leg and butt. I just fell to the ground. When I got up to check to see if everyone was ok, I got Monte, brought him into the round pen and lunged the Heck out of him. I was a little nervous to get back on but I knew if I did not then he would of won. So I got my helmet and got back on. Worked on some things in the round pen and headed to the farm. So I am not sure why he lunged forward. But Yes, lesson for today is get on the horse elsewhere and not right by another horse. I would of never thought that would of happened. Thankful for God looking after us. It could of been a lot worse.
ETA: Rashad is a great horse and I am glad I have him for my family. If only I could clone him.

[WashingtonBay]

Sounds like a close call... who knows what happened. Glad everyone is OK. :)

[shewasmyshadow]

Amen. Rashad is a great horse! I just keep tearing up thinking about it. Never thought when I was a little teeny-bopper that someday my little crazy arabian would be the saint that he is.

[Dandy21]

Wow! I'm certainly glad Rashad is such a good horse! And glad to hear that physically everyone is bruised but otherwise okay. I imagine mentally you're all a little shaken up.

[JackieB]

Whew! That Rashad is some horse.

[Dakota Sunrise]

Omg, scary! So glad everyone is okay! Good boy, Rashad!!


I want to get this helmet. Any idea what size Ethan would need?

http://www.horse.com/item/troxel-sport-schooling-helmet/SLT650530/

How old is he? My neighbor just bought this one in a small (I think) for her 6 year old granddaughter and it fits her. http://www.horse.com/item/troxel-legacy-helmet/SLT653546/
They do make toddler helmets I think though. If you measure his head I think some of the helmets are sized in inches..

ETA: here's one for little kids: http://www.doversaddlery.com/aegis-junior-pony-schooling-helmet/p/X1-36261/cn/2098/




As for a safety vest, they do make the kind English riders wear when jumping for children. They're REALLY expensive though. http://www.crazyhorsetack.com/chprve.html
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_X1-40291

They make the bull riding vests for little kids too, but I don't know if the vests are actually real or not. Like if they're actually safety vests or if it's just a costume so the kids feel important. http://www.usrodeosupply.com/27-54
This one would probably be too big for him: http://www.getwesterngear.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1050

[shewasmyshadow]

I told hubby that I wanted Ethan wearing a helmet and protective gear. He said he wasn't sure Ethan should be riding or being around horses if it was THAT dangerous. :(

[Equine_Woman]

Tell him it's in his blood. He will want to ride. Better to be safe than sorry. Very glad your son wasn't hurt too bad. Glad Rashad kept his brain throughout. Hard to learn the lesson about helmets in this way but it's better than it could have been!

[zoel_222]

Oh my god I would of been terrified! I'm so glad Ethan's okay and he has such a good horse-nanny to look after him so well.

[Vegashorselady]

I told hubby that I wanted Ethan wearing a helmet and protective gear. He said he wasn't sure Ethan should be riding or being around horses if it was THAT dangerous. :(

Hmmm, kids wear protective gear to ride bikes, rollerblade, play sports, wear life vests on boats, floaties while swimming, car seats and safety belts while travelning in a car...will he never allow your son to do those things? Just sayin, he can't keep Ethan from living life, accidents happen and that's when the safety gear comes into play. Hubby is probably just freaked out about what just happened, hopefully he'll come around.;)

Anyway, I'm so glad that everyone is all right...very scary! The Aegis toddler helmets are great for little kids, my sister got two for her little girls while they are riding my mare Poppy, they are 2 and 4 year olds and the helmets fit them great.:)

[AppyLady]

Very few horses would have stood still like that while another horse crashed into them. Rashad is amazing! I'm sorry about the accident, but I'm sure glad no one was hurt.

[JackieB]

I told hubby that I wanted Ethan wearing a helmet and protective gear. He said he wasn't sure Ethan should be riding or being around horses if it was THAT dangerous. :(

That's a very understandable position for a non-horse person. I would be patient and understanding in working through this issue.

[Pinky]

I'm glad Ethan's ok and Rashad is a one-of-a-kind horse! :).

I think you'll want something like this (http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/P/Mark_Todd_Adults_Zip_Up_Body_Protector-(65).aspx) for Ethan's chest :). They're really good, quite pricey though and I don't know if you want to have to replace it every year or so as he grows. I think I've still got mine from when I was 12/13 (I was a small kid) and you can have it when you want a bigger one. It might not fit Ethan now, but it's always useful to have for the future. I never wore it because I could hardly breathe when I wore it :cowboy:

[Bessie13]

Well we always knew what an amazing horse he is. Sometimes, he just has to remind us. He is indeed worth his weight. Glad everyone is OK and that Ethan hasn't lost his love or trust of riding.

[Diane of Buck's Hollow]

Oh God ...what a terrible experience to have to go thru. I can just imagine how you were feeling...I am so glad no one was hurt worse...and God Bless Rashad!! It is amazing the "knowing" of the child they have on their back!!

AND....God is Awesome!!

Love to you and Ethan and Rashad. Diane

[palomino]

Ugh. Your story just made me sick to my stomach. Im so happy that Ethan is ok!! I cringe thinking of something happening to my kids. Thats why london isnt allowed to go with me to the barn very often- she WOULD get hurt because she doesnt listen and runs around like an evil banshee. When she is old enough to listen (tried time outs, spanking, etc- she doesnt care.) she will be in a suit of armor LOL!!!

[Horseaholic]

SWMS- I'm not sure if anyone mentioned it here yet but a lot of the helmets come with a dial so you can adjust to the head that it's on. I'd recommend a helmet like that for Ethan or take him to a store so you're sure of the right size.

Glad Rashad was there.

[shewasmyshadow]

SWMS- I'm not sure if anyone mentioned it here yet but a lot of the helmets come with a dial so you can adjust to the head that it's on. I'd recommend a helmet like that for Ethan or take him to a store so you're sure of the right size.

Glad Rashad was there.

Oh, I know they have the dials, but I'm looking for one that isn't so HUGE on his head. He can wear an adult size if it's dial sizing, but it's so HUGE that he can't sit in front of me on the saddle. It keeps bumping me in the face. Kind of hurts. We tried Faith's daughter's helmet and it fit him correctly, but was pretty humongous.

[Horseaholic]

http://www.tackroominc.com/devonaire-aegis-juvenile-pony-helmet-colors-p-7659.html kids size and has a dial...we sell these at my store constantly for the little kids who ride occasionally

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-36414&tid=froogleCLS&CATALOG_CODE=1X814&EID=X1814001&zmam=1460880&zmas=1&zmac=49&zmap=X1-36414

they have Small to Large

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-36261&zmam=1460880&zmas=1&zmac=66&zmap=X1-36261&re=viewbuyrec
or the small

[shewasmyshadow]

Is there anything wrong with going with this one? I mean it is the cheapest, but it seems good.

http://www.horse.com/item/troxel-sport-schooling-helmet/SLT650530/

[vicklynn]

Its certified, so Im sure it is fine!

I have a Troxel and really like it!

[carla]

Oh WOW, SWMS. I cannot even imagine. Praise the Lord!!!

[FredRock]

Is there anything wrong with going with this one? I mean it is the cheapest, but it seems good.

http://www.horse.com/item/troxel-sport-schooling-helmet/SLT650530/

That was the first helmet I ever had! I would probably still have it if the mice didn't get to it.

I can't even imagine how I would begin to handle that situation. I'm glad to hear that nobody was majorly hurt, and that he's not traumatized!

[Country Girl 43]

OMG! As soon as I started reading this I had flash backs of when we first brought Dallas home. Chy was on Ladybird in the arena and I was trying to lunge Dallas and he freaked and broke away from me. He went running across the arena and crashed into Ladybird and Chy. :eek: Chy fell to the side as if she was going to fall off between the two horses. But Ladybird did everything she could to keep Chy on her back..and she did! When Dallas went running to the other end of the arena I called to LAdybird and she came to me, but Dallas was running around like a frieght train and by the time Ladybird got to me, Dallas crashed into her again! Ladybird now had to keep Chy on her back and avoid stepping on me, but she held her ground until Dallas went running around the arena again. I grabbed Chy off Ladybird and pushed her through the fence and started leading Ladybird out of the arena.

Ladybird did everything in her power to keep my daughter safe. And I will never forget that moment.

Rashad sounds like he knew he had precious cargo. These horses are worth their weight in gold. I am so glad your son is OK and that Rashad took care of him.

Glad you are getting a helmet for your little guy. I am neither Pro or Against helmets. They serve a purpose in certian situations. My kids ALWAYS wear a helmet on the trails. But in the arena it just depends on what we are doing. Chy had her helmet on when she went off Joe and I am glad she did, because she hit her head on the fence. So yes, it served it's purpose. ;)

[Horseaholic]

nope nothing wrong with that one either :) Troxel tends to be a bit bulky to me (kinda big bike helmet) but if you aren't concerned about that that's perfect!

[shewasmyshadow]

CG- I know I'm not pro-helmet where Rashad is concerned. I know he would never hurt Ethan, but it never crossed my mind that the helmet wasn't for protection from Rashad. It's for protection against all other freaky, unexpected accidents. Once he's bigger it won't be so much of an issue, but right now when he's in that oblivious young stage I think he needs to be wearing one.

[shewasmyshadow]

OMG! As soon as I started reading this I had flash backs of when we first brought Dallas home. Chy was on Ladybird in the arena and I was trying to lunge Dallas and he freaked and broke away from me. He went running across the arena and crashed into Ladybird and Chy. :eek: Chy fell to the side as if she was going to fall off between the two horses. But Ladybird did everything she could to keep Chy on her back..and she did! When Dallas went running to the other end of the arena I called to LAdybird and she came to me, but Dallas was running around like a frieght train and by the time Ladybird got to me, Dallas crashed into her again! Ladybird now had to keep Chy on her back and avoid stepping on me, but she held her ground until Dallas went running around the arena again. I grabbed Chy off Ladybird and pushed her through the fence and started leading Ladybird out of the arena.

Ladybird did everything in her power to keep my daughter safe. And I will never forget that moment.

Rashad sounds like he knew he had precious cargo. These horses are worth their weight in gold. I am so glad your son is OK and that Rashad took care of him.

That's amazing how similar that accident was. What it is with young horses crashing into older ones? I don't get it. Did the shock wear off? Or do you still have nightmares and flashbacks? I'm just curious, since it's still really bothering me.

[jeezitsjacki]

of course its going to bother you, its your son!! I get shook up for at least a day or two when a little kid I am teaching falls off or something happens, and I just see them once a week! Your feelings are very normal

[Piper522]

So scary but I completely agree that RAshad was looking out for Ethan. Thank God everyone is ok!

[Country Girl 43]

That's amazing how similar that accident was. What it is with young horses crashing into older ones? I don't get it. Did the shock wear off? Or do you still have nightmares and flashbacks? I'm just curious, since it's still really bothering me.

I think the younger ones are looking for security from the older ones. ;) Dallas was freaked out at the horse eating rope that was chasing him.

Nope the shock still hasn't worn off and that was 3 years ago. I can still see the wreck as plain as day and I was standing across the arena and totally helpless, till Ladybird could get to me. :(

Freak accidents... that is why I have Chy wear a helmet when she rides Joe. ;) Even though he takes care of her, she still went off him when she lost her stirrup loping around the arena. Joe didn't do anything wrong, Chy just went off when he turned the corner, and she went flying into the arena fence and hit her head and back. Joe stopped as soon as she fell off and came back to her with his head down. And AGAIN I was on the opposite end of the arena! :doh:

[RipSpark]

WOW go Rashad! I am so glad everyone is okay.

I bought a vest when I was about 7 or 8. They do make them in child sizes. Well I can see where your husband is coming from, but he most likely will be around horses so why not have him protected? My students have the troxel adbujstable helmets. They are great because they adjust in the back. They also come in nice cool colors ;)

[natisha]

I told hubby that I wanted Ethan wearing a helmet and protective gear. He said he wasn't sure Ethan should be riding or being around horses if it was THAT dangerous. :(Another reason not to get a husband

[shewasmyshadow]

Another reason not to get a husband

On the contrary. I would give up all horse activities for my husband if I had to. He is as much a part of me as my own limbs. He wasn't being mean. He was being a concerned and loving daddy. I wouldn't have him acting any other way. God gave me Rashad, but He also gave me Nathan. Both are here to stay! :)

I explained that Rashad had nothing to do with the accident and he understands now. Not all horses are created equal. None horsey people don't always understand that.

[Country Girl 43]

LOL SWMS... I think Natisha was refering to herself and not you. ;)

[shewasmyshadow]

LOL SWMS... I think Natisha was refering to herself and not you. ;)

LOL. I know. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew I wasn't feeling any malcontent because of what my husband said.

[dame_wolf]

Way to go Rashad! That old man is worth his weight and I hope that someday Ethan truely realizes how much of a guardian angel he has.

[natisha]

LOL. I know. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew I wasn't feeling any malcontent because of what my husband said.I never thought that at all.
CG is right, that wasn't directed at you. See, the main difference between you & me (or all others & me) is you take the time to talk to & explain things to your man, you communicate. Me-not so much-they can like it or leave :)
Except Kevin of course. I am always obedient to him.
JackieB has some strange power over me too that I still haven't figured out yet.:headscratch:

[shewasmyshadow]

I never thought that at all.
CG is right, that wasn't directed at you. See, the main difference between you & me (or all others & me) is you take the time to talk to & explain things to your man, you communicate. Me-not so much-they can like it or leave :)
Except Kevin of course. I am always obedient to him.
JackieB has some strange power over me too that I still haven't figured out yet.:headscratch:

Well, life is all about communication. :D From what I've seen you're pretty good at it here on the forum. ;)

LOL. Well, who doesn't love JackieB? :p