I learnt to ride horses when I was a youngster, not particularly well or for too long, a close family friend was an instructor, more interest for my sister who continued and owned her own horse for a while.
Anyway I was given the opportunity to ride in the Zimbabwe Bush 23 years ago. All was fine until nearly back to the lodge, and my ride wanted to get back quicker than I did. At that point had no control what so ever and was thrown off. Never riden again!
A few years back I went horse riding for the first time ever in Crete. My wife has had horses since she was a child so is a competent rider.
I was quite happy with the gentle walk (trot I think it's called) we were doing for the half day.
However, on the way back to the stables, they decided that we should go a bit faster.
Long story short, I was in agony when we got back to the stables, how I didn't fall off I will never know.
I couldn't sit down properly for about 2 months and my coccyx was black and blue.
Never ever, ever, ever, ever again!