Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift. Photo by Libby Law.
The team behind Cooley Rorkes Drift announced today that the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding has gone to British rider Andrew Downes to remain in work while Jonty Evans continues his recovery from a traumatic brain injury.
Andrew will not compete “Art” but instead will keep the horse in full work at his yard in Staffordshire, England.
Jonty has started showing “some early signs of progress in regaining consciousness” following his fall at Tattersalls on June 3 and faces a long road to recovery. Click here to read the latest update on his recovery.
Read on for the full update “written” by Art himself and shared in the Art’s Amazing Family Facebook group:
Hello everyone, I’ve been very quiet over the last month so thought I should give you all an update on what I’ve been up to.
Since Jonty fell off me back in June I have been working on my tan in the field at home. I must say it’s been going rather well! You guys are amazing because I’ve also had an endless supply of polos! This is all very good news but Jonty would not be happy to see the size of my tummy.
So in the last week I’ve been on a small road trip up to Staffordshire (where they all talk funny)! I’m up here to be with an experienced rider called Andrew Downes.
Jonty knows and respects Andrew as an eventer and my team believe that Jonty would back this decision. I am not here to be competed but to be kept in work until Jonty is better. Andrew has a very nice yard and I’ve started making some new friends already.
The plan will always be to get back home with Jonty and the team but until then this is the best place for me. Andrew is going to be super busy looking after me so please continue to monitor this Facebook page for updates on me.
I ask you all to please continue to support #weargreenforJonty I really do miss him! You guys are an incredible family and I can’t wait to see you all at events again.
Lots of love
Art
If you haven’t yet ordered your own #WearGreenForJonty wristband, EN can confirm that the good people at weargreenforjonty.co.uk are shipping orders to North America. You can also buy polo shirts, stickers, dog bandanas and belts. All proceeds go to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund.
You can also support Jonty’s recovery by entering Majyk Equipe’s #WearGreenForJonty giveaway. To enter to win this special green-themed prize pack, all you need to do is make a donation to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund. EN has raised more than €450 so far in support of Jonty’s recovery. Click here for details.
Please continue to join the EN team in putting every possible positive vibe into the universe as Jonty fights hard in his recovery.
