Andrew Nicholson and Nereo at WEG. Photo by Jenni Autry.
An article published today on the New Zealand Herald provides more details on Andrew Nicholson’s recovery from a frightening fall at the last fence at Gatcombe in August. Riding Cillnabradden Evo, Andrew fell and originally thought he was fine, walking back to his trailer on his own accord.
It was discovered later, though, that Andrew had actually fractured his spine, and he subsequently underwent surgery for the injury. Now, Andrew is sitting up without his neck brace and is able to eat, and plans are in place for him to begin walking freely next week.
It’s a miraculous recovery for such a serious injury — a fact that Andrew and his entire support team are thankful for.
“They couldn’t believe he was able to move,” Andrew’s wife, Wiggy, said in the Herald interview. “That’s where the surgeon’s skills came in. He had a fully mobile patient going to theatre knowing that when he came out, there was a high risk he would be paralysed.”
Andrew is scheduled to return for another x-ray in a month to ensure his recovery is progressing normally. He plans to stage his comeback in the saddle in the spring.
You can read the whole article on the New Zealand Herald here, which includes quotes from both Andrew and Wiggy on the fall as well as the weeks following the surgery.
We continue to wish Andrew well as he makes progress with his recovery, and will provide more updates on his condition as they are made available.
[Andrew Nicholson Hospitalized Following Fall at Gatcombe]
[Andrew Nicholson in Stable Condition Following Surgery]
