Tina Fletcher will be out of the saddle for three weeks after suffering whiplash and concussion in a fall in the puissance at HOYS.
Tina fell from Hello Unique on Saturday night (8 October).
The horse cleared 6ft 11in but hit the wall in the final round, when it stood at 7ft 3in.
Her husband, Graham Fletcher, told H&H: “She’s feeling rotten but has had a scan and there’s nothing too serious.
“The doctor told her to stay in bed for a few days and take three weeks off riding.”
He added: “[The horse] just knocked it but landed on the brick that fell, throwing her out of the saddle. She landed badly and whacked the back of her head.”
Tina managed to finish second aboard Hello Boyo in the Grade C class on Sunday morning and was due to ride Hello Ursula in the HOYS leading showjumper class on Sunday evening but withdrew.
In July H&H questioned showjumping rules regarding falls after Charlotte Arnold from Co Durham was kicked in the head at a competition and went on to win a class the next day.
Unlike racing and eventing where suspension is automatic after a concussion, there are no rules regarding head injuries in showjumping and it is up to the rider’s discretion.
“Tina probably shouldn’t have jumped in the morning,” admitted Graham. “But it’s difficult when you have a good chance and it’s a big show – you want to ride.”
This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (13 October, 2011)
