But the bat was relentless, swooping down a fourth time, this time wedging itself into a narrow gap between McCoy's back and Prudy's face. Once there, the creature latched to McCoy's neck, digging its razor-sharp talons deep into the flesh before Prudy could react by balling up her right hand into a fist and repeatedly beating on the bat, finally knocking it free. This, all while keeping her left arm securely wrapped around McCoy's waist to prevent her from sliding off the rear of the fast-moving horse.