‘Accidents happen’: Laura Collett out of action after ‘freak fall’ while cross-country schooling

European eventing champion Laura Collett is on the sidelines after re-injuring her collarbone in a training fall.

Laura, a three-time five-star winner, broke her collarbone in November 2025, which required surgery last year. Today (27 March) she said that she had a “freak fall” while cross-country schooling a few weeks ago, owing to the low sun, and has displaced the plate and re-injured her collarbone.

“Thankfully the horse was totally fine, which is the main thing,” said Laura.

“Although I’ve managed a couple of events, I’m going to have to sit the next couple of weeks out while I go in for an operation to get it fixed.

“I’m very aware of how lucky I was, so although it’s hard to be missing out at the start of the season, it could have been a whole lot worse and I have an amazing team behind me keeping the horses in tip-top shape for my return.”

She added that she will be “for ever grateful” to helmet manufacturer Uvex Equestrian and body protector firm Racesafe.

“Accidents happen and it’s important to realise it’s not all plain sailing. You just have to pick yourself up and come back stronger,” said Laura.

“A huge thank you to my amazing owners who have been so understanding and supportive.”

Laura started her season successfully at Tweseldown and Lincolnshire this month. She has now withdrawn all six of her rides entered at Barbury this weekend (27 to 29 March) and the two horses entered at Oxstalls next weekend (4 to 5 April).

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