After all the heavy messages on Ridecamp of late, I thought
you might enjoy the following news story I clipped and am sending to my Air
Force son in Texas who is in his second month of jet pilot training:
Air Force Life Support NCO
Saves Life of Air Force Fighter Pilot during Horse-Back Riding Mishap
Phoenix, AZ,
May 25, 2007
An Air Force Fighter Pilot
with the 309th Fighter Squadron narrowly escaped serious injury recently when
he attempted horseback riding with no prior experience. He mounted the
horse, unassisted, and the horse immediately began moving. As it galloped
along at a steady and rhythmic pace, the pilot began to slip sideways from the
saddle. Although attempting to grab for the horse's mane he could not get
a firm grip.
He then threw his arms
around the horse's neck but continued to slide down the side of the horse.
The horse galloped along,
seemingly oblivious to its slipping rider.
Finally, losing his grip,
the Captain attempted to leap away from the horse and throw himself to
safety. His foot became entangled in the stirrup, and he was at the mercy
of the horse's pounding hooves, as his head and upper body repeatedly
struck the ground. Moments away from unconsciousness and being trampled
or beaten to death, to his great fortune an Air Force Life Support NCO shopping
at Wal-Mart saw him and quickly unplugged the horse.
