A helping hand
I hope that sharing what happened to me earlier this year will remind us all that accidents do happen and that horses can be unpredictable, no matter how well you think you know them. Also, that it’s OK to admit that you’re not OK and to ask for help.
My accident happened in January. I was leading Dior, my five-year-old mare, to the indoor school and all of a sudden, she reared up and bucked. She twisted as she bucked, and her left hind foot hit me in my right eye. It was a freak accident; Dior is a lovely mare, who doesn’t have a nasty bone in her body, but like most horses she can be fresh.
I was rushed to hospital, and after having a CT scan I was diagnosed with a fractured eye socket, sinus cavity and my cheekbone had been pushed back half an inch. I was told how lucky I was — one fracture was very close to severing my optic nerve. I had surgery and a titanium plate with four screws was used to fix my fractured cheekbone.
Following the accident, I was diagnosed with PTSD, depression and anxiety, but eight weeks of cognitive behavioural therapy has helped me to process what’s happened and move on. My coach Charlotte Cutler and friends from my yard have all been amazing, helping me and supporting me when I started riding again.
I spent eight weeks working Dior from the ground, which has helped us build a much stronger bond.
I would also like to highlight the importance of asking for help if you are struggling with your mental health. Getting help has allowed me to get back to the person I was before the accident; I am now riding and competing again. I wouldn’t be doing that without the help and support of my coach and friends.
Kirstin Tricker, Norfolk