I haven't had the chance to ride in years but way back in high school I was blessed to have a good friend whose parents bred Arabians. In exchange for the chance to ride anytime I wanted, I'd do barn chores after school with her. After chores we'd just go out and hop on a couple of the mares and ride them bareback for a bit.

One particular mare was my favorite, a lovely calm girl that was just a joy to ride. She had an older foal in the field with her and unfortunately as we're sedately going down the fence line a neighbour's dog entered the field at the far end. Before I could draw a breath, she blasted off hard left straight at the dog and I flew off hard right straight into the fence post! Never had such a time drawing a breath in my life.

Of course my friend, being from a horse loving family, insisted I get right back on her once the situation was under control. To this day I still remember that sensation of....what the hell????.....I'm flying?????.....THUD!!!...then just staring up at that blue sky wondering if I was ever going to get a breath inside me again LOL.