Inflicting my opinions on the world.

“BOLT”

This is my boss, Mr. F, on a mule named Marley. This photo was taken seconds before my boss was thrown to the ground and suffered a concussion after Marley ran through a stand of trees.

Seconds before, Marley was fine, walking calmly, and behaving like the relaxed mule he is. Mr. F was going on a trail ride with some friends. As the group was departing, Marley suddenly spooked and bolted - to this day we still have no idea what caused his behavior.

Marley is unhappy in this photo, but I just wanted to make sure you knew that it was not tack or rider error (Mr. F thought it could possibly be the spurs, but he doesn't remember touching Marley with them at all). Also, there are no tie downs being used here (that strap is tied to the saddle horn and is used as a lead rope when the rider is dismounted).

I don't mind that this photo is on your blog, however, I wanted to be sure you knew that the cause for Marley's unhappiness could not have been prevented, as there was no known cause.