Emily King back on board, recovering from broken rib and torn lung and preparing for Badminton

Eventer Emily King is back in the saddle with Mars Badminton firmly in her sights having fractured a rib and damaged a lung at the start of this month.

Emily had completed her dressage with her top ride Valmy Biats in the CCI4*-S at the Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park (3-5 April) but was unable to continue in the competition as, her mother Mary confirmed, she had a “mistake in the showjump warm-up with another horse, which resulted in a rib fracture and a small tear of her lung… ouch.”

On 8 April, Emily said a “mischievous little curveball” had been thrown into her spring programme.

“I made an unscheduled exit in the showjumping warm-up – leaving a few things not quite where they ought to be,” she said. “Nothing too dramatic, just enough to test how well we pull together when plans quietly unravel!”

Emily said her reins had been temporarily handed to her partner Sam Ecroyd while she was “promoted to PA, trainer, chief cheerleader – and wearer of many other questionable titles”.

But Emily had an appointment with a specialist the following week, thanks to the support from the British Equestrian World Class programme, and was given the go-ahead to compete again two weeks later.

“Painkillers and strapping!” help Emily King in recovery

She competed with Valmy in the CCI4*-S at Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market on 17 April, and the CCI3*-S with Jackpot, “with painkillers and strapping!” said Mary, who was at the event to support Emily and Sam.

“Sam had a great event with three top-10 placings, including dear Dobby (King Louis), who I had produced up to this level,” she said. “So lovely to see them forging a great partnership.

“Em did fab tests on both Jackpot and Valmy, lying first and third in their respective sections. Then a super double clear with Jack, but sadly ran out at an early corner fence with Val (weak rider and strong horse??). She used the rest of the course as a good schooling round… as Badminton is their next event.”

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