My dad grew up on a cow ranch and never got dragged by a horse, nor did his dad or grandfathers. They carried "six-shooters" in the event that they might have to put down an injured animal. We grew up with horses and were taught from the day we wore shoes that you do NOT get on a horse with your feet in the stirrups, UNLESS you have on boots with proper heels to keep your foot from catching and your being dragged to death. My dad would say anyone stupid enough to do otherwise deserved to be dragged.

I also don't think it very likely that anyone would have the presence of mind nor physical ability to draw a gun and shoot a running horse, while they are being bounced along with one foot in the stirrup.

Sorcha, very good points, but how in the world do we get everyone to comply or understand? It's not going to happen and as long as kids have access we are going to have this problem.

I agree that the media feeds it, to some extent. Still, parents need to take control of their children's exposure to the media, too, so it comes back to what happens at home.

kat