Hawley’s connections have confirmed via Facebook that Hawley is in stable condition and will remain in the hospital overnight for observation. Hawley fell at the third fence on the Olympic cross-country while riding for Team Canada earlier today and there was a 20 minute hold on course while she was tended to by medical personnel, ultimately being transported to the hospital in an ambulance. Hawley was seen sitting up after the fall. Her horse, Gin & Juice galloped away from the fence and appeared unhurt. All of us around Eventing Nation wish Hawley the very best and a speedy recovery.
Ireland’s Camilla Speirs reportedly had a fall from Portersize Just A Jiff at the Rose Garden corner, #24, causing a lengthy hold on course. Team Ireland Equestrian issues an unconfirmed report after the fall that they believed there was no serious injury to horse or rider.
Officials confirmed that there were no major in the press conference following cross-country when they discussed Hawley’s fall and, presumably, Speirs’:
“The information that we just have for now is that the Canadian rider was taken to the hospital but is fine and still under observation, that is what we have heard but it needs to be confirmed that there will be more information about that later on. The horses are well, one horse was on the ground for a little while, but that is fine and the rider as well, so that is what we know that there are no major injuries to horses and riders…that is the information that we have for now.” [Audio]
Also, I heard from a friend of EN “Camilla is fine, just given her a hug!,” and, when asked about her horse “he’ll be fine too.” When it comes to cross-country evenings, no news is good news.
Go Hawley and Camilla.
6:06pm Update: The Canadian Olympic Team has published an update from Michael Gallagher, President, Equine Canada: “Bennett-Awad suffered a concussion, which is improving significantly. She also suffered a stable sacral fracture. Bennett-Awad was transported to hospital by ambulance and admitted for observation and pain management. We will continue to monitor her progress.” A quick consult of Google suggests that a sacral fracture is treated with bed rest and a full recovery is expected.
Additionally, Camilla Speirs has Tweeted: “My brave little sprstr in a lot of pain bt bein a trooper as always.Will spend nht wit him 2nt.so proud of him. Thnks for support,means alot”
6:47pm Update: Tragically, Michelle Mueller’s horse Amistad did suffer a major injury today. Following cross-country, Canadian team vet Dr. Christiana Ober discovered that Amistad tore a tendon and will be retired. Michelle and Amistad completed the Olympic course with one stop and 43.2 time penalties.
