I just got a call from one of the girls on Fresno State's equestrian team. One of our team members died.

On Wednesday, she was riding with two other girls out towards the vineyards attached to the university, where members sometimes ride the horses to give them a change from the arena and turnout pens. On their way, they passed the cattle unit. The cattle were startled or excited or something at the sight of the horses and rushed over near them, spooking the girl's horse. He reared and lost his balance, falling over backwards. She fell off--what her injuries were exactly, I don't know; I'm guessing spinal--and was rushed to the hospital. She was in critical condition until a little while ago when she passed away.

I am still in a kind of shock. I didn't know the girl, but we were both freshmen and rookies to the team. Because she was a fairly experienced rider, whereas I'm riding horses one step up from those on a carousel, I don't feel like "it could have been me", but it is very sobering. Life is so delicate; the human body so fragile. One minute, you can be enjoying yourself, hanging out with your friends; the next, sprawled on the asphalt, severely injured or dead. And to be so young, just entering college with your whole life ahead of you...it is so saddening.

There's a home football game tonight. The equestrian girls that are going are all going to wear mourning ribbons and there will be a moment of silence for her at the game.

La"I join the team and the head coach of seven years leaves, a horse dies of colic, and a team member is killed. Hmm..."Zorra