ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Rain ponchos
[endurance] Rain ponchos
Betsy O'Shea (boshea@magic1.org)
Thu, 14 Mar 1996 10:53:03 -0600
We had a discussion of all the different kind of rain gear people use. I
wanted to add my experience with the poncho which I like because of air
circulation and because it covers everything. The one I liked best was the
official army/marine type that I bought by mail from an Army/Navy Store.
About $30 I think. One day I was cantering across a large field and the
horse started getting a little strong and when I tried to rate him, he just
took off. Yes my life flashed before my face as we were heading to the woods
and a fence, and me with both hands on one rein using all my strength to
turn him (in a circle-Ha!) When we got to the fence, he abruptly turned to
the side (I can't believe I didn't fly over his head (Must have been from
years of jumping and having those nasty types of refusals). I thought I was
saved, but no he continues across the field, completely ignoring my turning
efforts, and now we are going toward the barb wire fence. What had
happened, was, when I first started cantering, the wind caught my poncho
(even though it was tied around my waist) and the faster the horse went, the
more the poncho flapped. The more frightened he was, the faster he went.
When I realized this, I knew I was in DEEP XXXX. There was no way I could
get the poncho off at the speed he was going and his unpredictability.
Anyway, I FINALLY got him turning in a circle and eventually stopped. The
horse was drenched with sweat and shaking all over and so was I.All I had
were cuts and torn clothing from zipping into tree branches. It still amazes
me that we both weren't badly injured. The lesson here - wind can catch
under your poncho. The wind had caught it on previous occasions, but I
didn't think much of it at the time but as I look back, the horse was upset.
So obviously, I think ponchos can be dangerous.
Betsy O'Shea
boshea@magic1.org
Paola,Kansas