We posted photos of both of Boyd Martin’s saves at Fair Hill earlier in the week, and Valerie Durbon sent in a sequence of the save aboard Welcome Shadow that perfectly demonstrates the three stages of an “Oh Crap” Moment.
It all started when Shadow drifted to the right over the duck, putting Boyd’s bad leg — the one he broke in March and had surgically repaired — precariously close to the duck’s head, setting in motion the series of events …
Stage 1: Realization. Something is about to go horribly wrong, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.
Stage 1: Realization. Photo by Valerie Durbon Photography.
Stage 2: Acceptance that an “Oh Crap” Moment is indeed taking place. Boyd’s bad leg is pinned against the duck’s head, launching him out of the saddle as his stirrups go flying. All you can do at this point is pray you remembered to attach your air vest.
Stage 2: Acceptance. Valerie Durbon Photography.
Stage 3: Relief, as you miraculously come through the “Oh Crap” moment relatively unscathed. Here Boyd somehow houdinis himself back into the saddle through sheer force of will and carries on.
Stage 3: Relief. Photo by Valerie Durbon Photography.
You can see the save from the other side — with a view of his leg pinned against the duck’s head — in the first photo in this post, as well as a photo of his save later in the day aboard Crackerjack in the three-star.
Thanks to Boyd for the very clear demonstration of the three stages of an “Oh Crap” Moment.
Go Eventing.
