Horse's kick kills student

AP | 9-20

[ambrose]

Horse's kick kills student

AP

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ALBANY (AP) -- An 18-year-old student at SUNY Morrisville died Saturday after she was kicked in the throat by a horse, officials said.

Bridget Publicover of Rochester, a second-year student, was in a field outside the college's equine center stables when she was kicked, college spokeswoman Jessica DeCerce said.

Publicover was conscious after she was kicked around 2:30 p.m. Two students called for help and walked her to the parking lot, where she collapsed, Smithfield Fire Department first assistant chief Dick Perry said.

Firefighters were unable to resuscitate Publicover.

She was scheduled to graduate in May, DeCerce said.

Students, faculty members and college employees were being notified of her death Saturday, DeCerce said.

"We're shocked and saddened by this horrible tragedy," she said. "The college's thoughts and prayers are with Bridget's family and friends."

The horse was not owned by Publicover. DeCerce said it was unknown Saturday whether the animal belonged to the school or another student.

[N. Beaujon]

This is so sad, especially coming on the heels of Christopher Reeves's death. I mean we deal with these horses all the time. I'm always aware of what they can do but in the end who knows what lapse of judgment, act of fate or misstep on your part can cause something like this.

I go through such great lengths to despook, train for voice commands, spend months in the round pen but one gust of wind out on a trail, one bad day and you just never know. Could this be you?

Does anyone see a commmon thread between these events? I cant even blame the San Andreas fault (e.g. Mount Saint Helen's action) since one of the cases happened in Albany, NY!)

Note: I do think all riders/trainers know that the change of seasons (summer to fall) are a really bad time for nervousness and unpredictability. Could that, alone, explain it?

[fastattacksailor]

On a happier note----

My horse, Fuzzy, licked and slobbered all over me today.

He REALLY loved the carrots he got from me