Injured event rider Spencer Sturmey is out of hospital

Gloucestershire-based event and dressage rider Spencer Sturmey has been discharged after spending six days in hospital following an accident.

Spencer, 36, broke two vertebrae falling from the top of the haystack at his yard on New Year’s Day. After going to Warwick A&E on 2 January as he was losing feeling in his left side, he was transferred to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

“Having seen the spinal and neuro team, I was discharged on Saturday [7 January],” said Spencer. “I’m in a full body and neck brace, but the sensation in my left side is ever improving and the prognosis is good. In two weeks’ time I’ll return for more scans.

“Nothing will slow me down and I will start giving dressage and jumping clinics at Crown Farm [Ascott-under-Wychwood, Oxon] towards the end of January.”

Spencer joked that Paul and Karen Beasley, who own his two-star horse Up 2 You, have suggested he wears his air jacket around the yard from now on.

“I have to thank everyone who has helped me, sent messages and phone calls – you’ve been amazing,” said Spencer.

“Sean White, who is a friend, was my nurse at Warwick – he was very supportive and kept me informed. Ros and John Hayward have kept the yard running while I’m out of action and I’d also like to thank Teresa Stopford Sackville, who owns the yard, for her support.”

Pippa Roome

H&H magazine editor and eventing editor

Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.