When Hugh Jackman nearly dodged death

Washington, November 26 : Hugh Jackman's horse-riding stunt for his latest flick 'Australia' may have cost him his life if it wasn't for the film's safety officer who forced him to wear a helmet.

The 'X-Men' star, who nearly steamed on being compelled by the film insurers to wear a helmet and padding for a training routine, had been violently thrown a rearing horse on the ground.

The Aussie actor now thanks his stars for heeding to the advice of the experts, even if he had taken it reluctantly, reports Contactmusic.

He said: "Six months into training they brought in a rearing horse. The safety officer happened to be onset. He's always a chump. He's the guy nobody wants around.

"He came over with a motorcycle helmet and a padded jacket. He was like, 'Please wear it, please. For insurance.' All the horsemen were sniggering, saying, 'Wuss'.

"I reluctantly put it on. As I pulled on the reins, the horse's head came back and hit me on the motorcycle helmet. I flew back off the horse and landed on my back. I didn't move for about five minutes.

"I'm pretty sure (if I hadn't worn the helmet) I would be dead."

ANI