Horses Can Be Dangerous

Royal Navy Officer Saves Life of Army Colleague in Horse-Back Riding Mishap
An Army Officer assigned to the Military Academy in Sandhurst narrowly escaped serious injury recently when he attempted horseback riding with no prior experience. After mounting his horse unassisted, the horse immediately began moving. As it galloped along at a steady and rhythmic pace, the officer, Lieutenant Tommy Thomas, began to slip sideways from the saddle.
Although attempting to grab for the horse's mane Thomas 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 Lieutenant attempted to leap away from the horse and throw himself to safety. His foot, however, became entangled in the stirrup, leaving him at the mercy of the horse's pounding hooves as his head and upper body repeatedly struck the ground.
Moments away from unconsciousness, and probable death, to his great fortune Commodore Steve Cleary [RN Ret'd] shopping at Waitrose, saw him and quickly unplugged the horse.
Wokingham News, Berkshire, England.