Studs are an amazing tool for giving our horses better traction. Consequently, studs are involved anytime I compete or ride on grass and they should be for you too. One of my biggest pet peeves is watching a horse slip and slide its way around a grass dressage arena because their rider didn’t want to take 5 minutes to put in grass studs. But I digress.
Unfortunately, when you find yourself underneath your galloping horse, as we sometimes can in this sport, studs take on a different role. They become the pointy end of a 1,200 pound spear. Will Faudree experienced just that on Saturday at Fair Hill. I’ll just publish Will’s text that greeted me early Sunday morning in full because it is truly awesome.
Fair warning, DON’T LOOK AT THE PICTURE BELOW if you don’t like looking at pictures of arms cut open by studs. It’s not that bad at all, but you know, there’s always that one person.
“Hi John. It’s will Faudree. As you know I fell yesterday. Colour Candy caught a leg at the first water and catapulted me into the water. He stepped on my leg and arm and his stud went through. Was hoping to be able to ride Pawlow but had to go for X-rays and stitches. I’ll send you the pic if you want for an EN update.“
“Why yes Will, we would like you to send us the pic please.“
BOOM
Fortunately for Will he will be fine and so will Colour Candy. Will followed up with a text saying, in true Faudree spirit, “Going to re group and keep fighting. I’m lucky with the fantastic horses and support I have.” Get well soon Will!
Go Will and go eventing.
