Elaine
04-11-2008, 05:45 AM
As most of you know, we’re involved in Warmblood Sporthorses... so our equine interests are going to spillover on to DSNN from time to time.
Darren Chiacchia 42, a member of the 2004 US Olympic Equestrian Team (riding the Trakehner stallion Windfall II), was critically injured on cross country on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the Red Hills Horse Trials. Darren was negotiating the preliminary cross country course aboard another of his horses, the seven year old Baron Verdi. A misstep led to a somersault of horse and rider.
Darren was in critical condition in an intensive care unit in Tallahassee. He sustained a severe head injury, and also contusions to both lungs with multiple rib fractures and a partially collapsed lung. Initial concerns about spinal injury were alleviated after extensive specialized testing. His pulmonary function is improving, but the major concern remains the head injury. His overall condition shows definite improvement. Here is a YouTube video clip overview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntMtXb6hQHg
We all can relate to the unique powerful connection between human and animal that is necessary to reach the highest levels in the sport. Darren and Windfall have such a connection. If you go to www.eventrider.com you will see a video clip of another of our Olympic riders - Robert Dover - riding Windfall during a fund raiser for Darren. I can’t begin to tell you the impact of seeing Dover riding Windfall in a benefit for Darren.
For more info on Darren check out his website, www.eventrider.com and you can also go to the United States Eventing Association's website at www.useventing.com for updates. Please keep Darren in your thoughts and prayers.
Darren Chiacchia 42, a member of the 2004 US Olympic Equestrian Team (riding the Trakehner stallion Windfall II), was critically injured on cross country on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the Red Hills Horse Trials. Darren was negotiating the preliminary cross country course aboard another of his horses, the seven year old Baron Verdi. A misstep led to a somersault of horse and rider.
Darren was in critical condition in an intensive care unit in Tallahassee. He sustained a severe head injury, and also contusions to both lungs with multiple rib fractures and a partially collapsed lung. Initial concerns about spinal injury were alleviated after extensive specialized testing. His pulmonary function is improving, but the major concern remains the head injury. His overall condition shows definite improvement. Here is a YouTube video clip overview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntMtXb6hQHg
We all can relate to the unique powerful connection between human and animal that is necessary to reach the highest levels in the sport. Darren and Windfall have such a connection. If you go to www.eventrider.com you will see a video clip of another of our Olympic riders - Robert Dover - riding Windfall during a fund raiser for Darren. I can’t begin to tell you the impact of seeing Dover riding Windfall in a benefit for Darren.
For more info on Darren check out his website, www.eventrider.com and you can also go to the United States Eventing Association's website at www.useventing.com for updates. Please keep Darren in your thoughts and prayers.