Actor Joseph Fiennes recounted a tragic experience he witnessed while horseback riding during a vacation in Costa Rica on the Travel Secrets podcast. He described how a fellow traveler, a newlywed woman, was fatally injured when her horse reared up, fell on her, and caused a fatal head injury after she fell onto gravel. The incident profoundly affected Fiennes, leaving him unable to sleep for about a month, and served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers travelers may face.

Despite the trauma, Fiennes eventually got back on a horse to overcome his fear, acknowledging the temperamental nature of horses and the importance of caution. He shared the story to highlight the unexpected risks involved in travel and reflected on how such moments can abruptly shift from beauty and joy to tragedy. Fiennes, known for his role in Shakespeare in Love, continues to work on various projects while sharing this sobering travel lesson.