‘Oh Crap’ Moment of the Day: Eventing Edition

With Rolex kicking off in Kentucky, what better time to showcase our readers’ finest “Oh Crap” eventing moments? Enjoy!

Our first photo is from reader Hunter Trombley, who writes, “Just thought I would share this gem of me doing most definitely the wrong thing over a large drop! I think the face really does make the photo!”

Talk about “Oh Crap” moments, Lily Barlow sent us this one with the note, “I was running the 1* at red hills, and accidentally jumped the advanced fence….” Her horse, Grayboo, looks unimpressed, but the look on Lily’s face says it all.

Oh crap indeed. Our loyal reader Patricia Franz submitted this one. “OK,” she writes, “in my defense, this was my first Training in FOREVER. Double Wide (Clyde) was obviously taking care of business but I was exhausted near the end of the course (Feather Creek in Norman, OK) and ever-so-slightly terrified of this log and brush going from a low driveway crossing uphill into a pasture.”

Awww, that’s not too terribly bad. But what really takes it to the next level are the other photos Patricia sent: “My husband used his mad photoshop skillz to doctor up the photo for me.”

And, inexplicably, THIS:

This one is from Jennifer Amber, who explains:

“I am brand-new to the sport of eventing and in March 2014 I completed in my first Beginner Novice starter trial. My horse is Mister President (Lincoln), a TB-Percheron cross that I’m leasing from my friend/his owner, who has taken him up to Training level.

This photo captures that moment where — right after I insisted that we gallop (not trot) through the #7 water — we barely had a stride or two before popping over #8, a thatch-roof barn. Linc took a long spot, I got a bit left behind, and Ashlee Fleming (Foxtography) captured my expression and has granted me permission to submit this photo.

When we vocalize what we think Lincoln is thinking, it sounds like a grumpy old man, and it’s the perfect compliment to looking at this image:

‘Hang on little girl, I’ll show you how to run cross country.’

‘It’s only beginner novice, little girl. Sit down, shut up, and grab mane. I got this.’

He’s a good partner: we jumped clear stadium and xc rounds and ended up winning our division.

It doesn’t matter what your face may look like in the middle, it only matters that you finish with a smile. Go riding!”

Kaley Rak writes: “The face I make when we get a rough distance!”

Melissa Owens, featured in the next couple photos, explains, “I had a great Oh Crap! Moment today and wanted to share it with the Horse Nation. I was just out jumping Broddi, a 12-year old Icelandic horse, over some little XC fences, and he just completely blundered through this one. The jump was cracked a little, but no, we didn’t fall, and yes, everyone was fine! I even attached a picture of him jumping well to somewhat redeem ourselves. Sadly, you can’t see my face. If you could, it would probably be terrified!”

This one is from Court Thomp, who writes: “My first time doing a down bank.”

Thanks to everyone who shared — Horse Nation has the most shameless readers in the world, and we love them! If you’re going to be a horse person, you better pack a sense of humor. Have an “Oh Crap” video or photo that’s just TOO GOOD to keep to yourself? Email it to [email protected].

Go Riding!