An official update has been issued after five-star event rider Louise Harwood suffered a fall at Blenheim Horse Trials today (22 September).
Louise was riding the nine-year-old Blues Cloud, who is owned by Jennifer Evans-Bevan, when they fell at the final part of the James Hallam Insurance Brokers water complex at fence 10ABC.
The statement, which was issued by Blenheim Horse Trials, said: “Following a fall at fence 10c in the CCI4*-S eight- and nine-year-old class at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in Oxfordshire, Louise Harwood (GBR) was immediately attended to by the onsite medical team and has been transferred by road to the John Radcliffe hospital in a stable condition for further treatment.
“Her horse, Blues Cloud was assessed by the on-site vets, walked back to the stable and is uninjured.
“Our thoughts are with Louise and all of her connections.”
This fall comes a month after Louise successfully returned to competition having recovered from serious injuries sustained in a fall from a muck trailer on 15 June. Her injuries included fractures to her skull, ribs and shoulder blade – and some vertebrae, on which she had surgery. Since her return she has secured top 10 placings at both Wellington and Cornbury House Horse Trials.
Blenheim is the first competition Louise has ridden Blues Cloud at since her summer injury, but they jumped clear across country in this class last year and have completed some intermediates this season.
Louise, who has more than 20 five-star completions to her name, was also competing Native Spirit in the CCI4*-L at Blenheim and they completed yesterday’s cross-country with 20 penalties.
To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Blenheim Horse Trials, Horse of the Year Show, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
