Tina Fletcher injures ankle in fall from Hello Sailor

Tina Fletcher has suffered a serious ankle injury in a fall from Hello Sailor in Spruce Meadows, Canada.

The Olympic team reserve rider was jumping in the second round of the $1m CN International grand prix on Sunday (9 September) when the accident happened. The gelding crashed through the second element of a double of oxers, throwing Tina to the ground.

Her leg caught in the reins and she was dragged for several strides.

Initial tests in Canada indicated that the ankle wasn’t broken, but the Oxfordshire-based rider has suffered severe ligament damage and one of Hello Sailor’s studs penetrated her Achilles tendon.

“She’s in considerable pain,” said her husband Graham, who was due to fly back to the UK with Tina today (Tuesday 11 September).

“She’s going to have surgery when we get back so we’ll know more then.”

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.