Jackman had narrow escape on 'Australia' sets

London, Nov 26 (IANS) Australian actor Hugh Jackman says he almost died while filming a horse riding scene for the new movie "Australia".

Jackman says the helmet saved his life.

Contactmusic.com reports him saying: "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."

He added: "In Australia, if you fall off a horse, you have to say the words 'just taking a piss' before you hit the ground. If you don't get the words out, you have to buy a bottle of whiskey for everyone in the horse crew, which is about 25 people."

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