The first time I rode a horse was at a YMCA camp in Tulsa, Okla when I was about 9 years old and light as a feather (thin). We had some cowboys there that were supposed to be helping us. When my horse wouldn't go one of the cowboys rode up behind it and slapped it on the rear as hard as he could. It took off like a rocket with me holding on for dear life screaming the whole way. LOL!
I passed everyone in a full gallop with me air borne above the saddle most of the time, just holding onto the reins for dear life. By some miracle the same cowboy caught up with me and the horse right before I gave up and let go. Still can't believe I survived it!