Eventer Laura Collett will be back competing next weekend, after being given the all clear by doctors.
“It’s very exciting,” she told H&H. “I’m going to do some cross-country schooling with Yogi [Breisner, British eventing team trainer] next week, and then at the weekend I’m going to Wellington.”
Laura said she was taking 3 horses — Noble Bestman, Allora and Obos Cooley to the Hampshire event.
“I’m spreading them out over a couple of days, so I’ll see how I feel, but fingers crossed I’ll be back to normal.”
The event rider sustained serious crush injuries — including lung and liver damage — in a rotational fall at Tweseldown last month (8 July).
She has since been recovering with physio at Oaksey House, the Injured Jockeys Fund rehabilitation centre in Lambourn, Berks, and has been back home riding her horses again.
“I went to the hospital yesterday (Thursday 15 August) and the doctors said it all looked good and were pleased with my progress. I’ve been very lucky. I can’t wait to get on and compete again, hopefully once the first event’s out the way I can get back to normal.”
Last week (8 August) she jumped Noble Bestman for the first time since her fall, and today (Friday 16 August) she took Rayef out for a gallop.
“It was really cool to be back on Rayef,” she added. “We went galloping, it was his first time for a while too, and we had a lot of fun. He was pretty excited!”
Yogi added: “It’s wonderful that Laura has made such a quick and great recovery. It’s thanks to the fantastic care she received by the medics at the competition, Southampton General hospital, Oaksey House rehabilitation centre and the World Class medical staff.
“I know Laura and her family are very grateful. Laura can’t wait to get back in action again.”
