MUMSHAYNET OPINION

TIME TO GIVE THE BLAME GAME A REST

We all know there are risks that come with owning and riding horses. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are, accidents happen. The hospitalisation of Anne, the Princess Royal, this week is proof of that.

However, there are some accidents that happen that shock even the most seasoned among us. Our lead story this week is one such story.

Jamie Ellis suffered horrific facial injuries when she was kicked by her horse in October last year.

The fact that she is riding and competing again, a mere eight months later, is testament to the young woman’s grit, passion, and courage.

Especially telling of her character is that there was never any suggestion that the blame for the injuries she suffered lay with her horse, Tully.

In contrast, some have been quick to judge Jamie.

The fact is, Tully escaped from her stable while visiting a competition yard. Jamie tried to stop her by grabbing hold of her stable rug, which is when the horse kicked out.

Jamie has never spoken publicly about the incident until today.

Even so, a number of keyboard warriors who haunt the comments section of the press – because Jamie’s accident made local and international headlines – wrongly assumed that she had put herself in a place of danger by trying to grab her horse’s rug from behind.

For an equestrian who prides herself on being a calm and collected ‘problem solver,’ it was another layer of hurt Jamie didn’t need as she recovered from injuries that brought her close to death’s door.

Of course, most of us in the equestrian world will have had a lucky escape – or several – over the years, and therefore we know that there but for the grace of the horse gods go all of us.

So, be careful out there, people. And be kind.