The Time I Almost Got Killed by a Horse And A Rolling Stones Cover 🐎…
Where does life all go? One moment you’re living it, and the next, it’s something you see in bed at night when you close your eyes. Or something you write about.
Late in 2o12, I was working for a small company out of Michigan called Heavyweight Enterprises, and I was leased on to Panther Premium Logistics based in Ohio. I was team driving, hauling critical expedited freight across the US and even some government loads for the Department of Defense.
I was living in Florida at the time in the beach house, and one of my driving partners was this older Native American lady named Mary. She lived in Northern Florida and had a big, beautiful farm with lots of land and livestock. Her husband stayed home and took care of the farm while she and I drove around like headless chickens from place to place non-stop.
One drives. One sleeps. We would stay out for about 2 weeks, then we’d go home and take a few days off, then do it all over again.
Mary was very pretty with a nice figure, and you never would have guessed she was 65 years old. She really took good care of herself. She was Miccosukee Indian and had straight, long black hair like coal running the length of her back. An Indian princess in her day. She had been a professional driver for many years, and it was all I could do to keep up with her. She taught me much.
On one of our trips, we weren’t that far from her house when we started having engine troubles. So we decided to take the truck to a mechanic shop near her town, and they said it would be a few days before they could even look at it to try and diagnose the problem. So we went back to her farm and took a few days off. I stayed in this cool little guest cabin she had.
It was actually so nice being there, almost like a little vacation. I was for sure in need of some chill time.
Her husband was a good guy, and fun to be around. It was wintertime in North Florida. He would make a bonfire, and we’d sit around, tell stories, and gaze up at the incredible, star-filled night sky. Then he would break out the mason jar of homemade apple pie moonshine with the cinnamon stick in it, and we would sip and pass… and try not to pass out. 😳… 🫠…
One morning at breakfast, Mary asked me if I had ever ridden a horse. Instantly, I had flashbacks of when I was a kid and had a very bad experience on one. I got bucked way up in the air and landed on the horse’s back on my stomach. It knocked the wind out of me, and as I flew off and hit the ground hard, I saw angels and more stars haha.
So I said yeah, I once tried to ride one. I told her what happened. Then she says, “It’s time to try again.”
I agreed. Plus, God has promised me a long life. So I’m not worried. 😁
Later that afternoon, we all went out to the stables and hung out with the horses. Mary had four of them and decided to put me on a younger tawny-colored mare she had named Penny.
Before I go any further, it might be good to point out that these horses don’t get ridden much these days. Just occasionally. Just sayin’.
I tried to get familiar with Penny some by touching her and talking to her. But she didn’t know me, and I’m sure she could tell I was a tad bit nervous.
Mary gave me some pointers as I climbed up and got set in the saddle. But as I pulled on the reins, she took off like lightning, with monster truck force. It turns out Penny had a bad tooth, and the bit in her mouth was just too painful for her.
She ran wildly and fast all over the place with me. I tried my best to control her. My heart was racing even faster. I could tell something was bad wrong, and this wasn’t a normal ride. She darted up into the woods with me, and as I dodged tree branches with my face, I knew I had to come up with a plan to get off this girl as quick as I could. Or else.
Once she got back down in the field, I decided now was my chance. She was still hauling ass, so I jumped off her. And my left foot hung in the stirrup. She dragged me in full stride for what seemed like forever. Finally, my foot came free, and I slid underneath her.
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She trampled me…
all over my legs.
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I laid there in pain like I hadn’t known before. Mary, her husband, and her neighbors all ran to me. I tried to get up and walk, then I collapsed again. I was just relieved to be off her back.
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I didn’t go to the hospital that day, but I probably should have. I had trouble walking for about two weeks. My legs were deep black and blue, purple and pink, with some shades of green even. They looked like far away galaxies. I’ve never had bruises like that.
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When I look closely today, I can still vaguely see Penny’s hoof print tattooed on my lower leg as a reminder.
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A horse with a bad tooth can outrun the wind and win any race. 🐎…………………
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And it’s best to wait till they return from the dentist to ride them. 🪥
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Just sayin’. 😎
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© 2026 Bryan Loia Hudson. All rights reserved.
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I had a very frightening experience with a runaway horse as well. Luckily she went up a bit of a hill and then I got my chance to pull tightly on the reins to bring her to a halt. My heart was in my mouth the whole time. I’m glad we both are here to tell the stories.
Wow that’s crazy geees. Sorry you can relate 😬 yes definitely so glad we made it to write another day. I doubt I’ll ever get on another I know they say the third time is the charm but not for this guy haha. Thanks for reading and sharing.
It’s quite an experience for life. Brave from you to try back for a second time. I’m intrigued now if you ever went for a third and final round on horses. After that second one, no one would blame you for giving up. Btw, I enjoy your singing. Thanks for another interesting post.
Hey, thank you much for checking out the story. And no that was it for me haha. I think I’m done. I have no desire to give it another go lol. Thank you for your kind words about my singing
OMG What a story!!! You are brave. I wouldn’t have tried it after the first experience. The apple pie moonshine sounds interesting.
Thanks 😁
I thought to myself “it has to turn out better than the first time” man I was freakin wrong lol. Yeah that applepie moonshine helped to ease my pain afterwards 😄
I am sure it did
Are you going to try for a third time or have you given up on horse riding? That said I am glad you survived both those rides. I enjoyed reading this post and you singing.
Thank you Mags 😊 Noooo way! I’m done. No more horse adventures for me haha
Fascinating, Bryan! I’ve only ridden a horse in a state park with my family when I was about 12 years old. No problems, thank goodness.
Yeah I should have tried somewhere like that where the horses are used to being ridden all the time and are maintained better lol. I’m glad you have a good experience. Thank ya Tim.
Also, how many books do you have out? I was thinking of reading one of them after I get done with my current. My reading has slowed down lately. I’m doing about a chapter a night. Which one of yours do you recommend?
No way!!! Thank God you are here to tell this story! You are really lucky my friend. That had to be super scary. Eeek.
Yeah it wasn’t pretty lol. And a lil bit scary lol 🤏.Thanks. I appreciate you 😊
Bryan, your story is a powerful reminder of how unpredictable life can be and how closely courage, experience, and humility are connected. Sometimes, life teaches us its most enduring lessons through moments we least expect. Your experience with Penny, despite its frightening consequences, also reflects the importance of understanding another living being’s discomfort rather than assuming that everything is as it appears.
There is a deeper wisdom in this: true courage is not merely the willingness to take risks, but the discernment to recognise when caution is wiser than bravery. Life gives us many second chances, and each experience, pleasant or painful, can deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
May the memories of such adventures always bring you wisdom, gratitude, and a gentle smile.
Thank you Vijay. Great comment my friend 😎
Oh my goodness, what an absolute page-turner of a story.You are such a fantastic storyteller.You have such an engaging way with words—reading about your adventures (and misadventures!) felt like sitting right beside that cozy bonfire in North Florida under the stars. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful, wild and unforgettable piece of your life with us. I’m so glad you healed up from those galaxy-colored bruises and lived to tell the tale . Can’t wait for more.
Thank you so much Meeta. I really appreciate the support 😊
Good story… and cover; the timbre in your vocals was a good fit for Wild Horses.👍
Thank you brother for the kind words. 😎
Oh my as a child my family went to the horse races all the time they were serious gamblers I never rode one. 🏇🏾Since your incident have you desired to ride a Horse. Nice 🎶🎼🎵🎸✅👏🏾
Oh that’s cool about the horse races. I’ve never been to one but Ive always enjoy watching the races on TV. No I have no more desire lol. Honestly I didn’t have much desire to ride a horse to begin with. I just thought it would be cool to at least try and say that I’ve done it before 😁 thanks for sharing
That’s an amazing story… I read these stories and often wonder what I would have done if it were me in your shoes 😬. You have had some great adventures that’s for sure. Thank God you were able to still walk at all, right? Thanks for sharing your amazing life with us.