A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to their AirForce Training Command narrowly escaped serious injury when he attemptedhorseback riding with no prior experience. After mounting his horseunassisted, the horse immediately began moving. As it galloped along ata steady and rhythmic pace, the pilot, 1Lt. "Cos" Cosgrove, began toslip sideways from the saddle. Although attempting to grab for the horse's mane, Cosgrove could not geta firm grip. The horse galloped along,seemingly oblivious to its slipping rider. Finally, losing his grip, the 1st Lieutenant attempted to leap away fromthe horse and throw himself to safety. His foot, however, became entangled in the stirrup, leaving him at the mercy of the horse'spounding hooves as his head and upper body repeatedly struck the ground. Moments away from unconsciousness and probable death, and to his greatfortune, a U.S. Navy pilot shopping at Wal-Mart saw him and quicklyunplugged the horse.