Event rider “stable” after fall

Intermediate eventer Nicole Saunders is recovering in hospital after being airlifted from Weston Park International three-day event where her horse fell on the cross-country course

Thirty-two-year-old event rider Nicole Saunders was airlifted to North Staffordshire General Hospital after a fall at the Weston Park International three-day event in Shropshire, at the weekend.

Nicole, from Marlow, Bucks, was riding her own Kharnabbey Street, a nine-year-old gelding by Kharon, when she fell at fence 14 (Fisherman’s View) on the 26-fence course.

Indications are that the horse, who is graded advanced and this year has won at intermediate level at both Goring Heath and South of England and been placed at in the OI’s at Gatcombe and Springhill, went to put down but his forward momentum carried him over and he landed on top of her.

Nicole suffered head injuries in the fall and her condition is currently listed as “stable”.

Organiser Janet Plant said: “Sadly there is always a risk of a fall eventing, however I am extremely pleased that the medical team we have on site are so professional.

“Dr David Perks, Dr Edwin Swarbrick and Rowan Medical Services who all attended to her, were at the fence immediately and their prompt action made all the difference.”

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