Emma Bennett, a mother of three from Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, made a bold life change by leaving her office job as a project manager to pursue her passion for working with horses. After two decades of riding, she began freelancing at a racehorse yard, eager to build a new career in the equestrian world.
However, just weeks into her new path, Emma experienced a terrifying accident that changed her life forever. While riding a thoroughbred, the horse suddenly bolted, reaching speeds of up to 40mph. With no way to control the animal, Emma made the split-second decision to jump off the 16-hand horse, landing harshly in a hedge.
Initially treated at A&E and sent home with a sling, Emma’s pain worsened, and she returned delirious and concussed. Subsequent CT scans revealed multiple serious injuries, including fractures to her neck vertebrae at C1, C2, C6, and thoracic vertebrae T1, T2, and T3, as well as a broken shoulder blade. The main concern was the C6 fracture, which posed a high risk of spinal cord injury.
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Now recovering at home in a neck brace for up to 12 weeks, Emma faces a painful reality: the surgeons have advised her never to ride again. The devastating news hit hard, as riding was not only her career transition but also a lifelong passion. “I was moving into a new career, which I was so excited for, and it was all falling into place—then this happened,” Emma shared.
Despite her injuries, Emma remains determined and reflective. She acknowledges the risk of paralysis if she were to fall again and understands the gravity of her situation. Yet, she expresses no fear of horses, only heightened caution. Her story is a sobering reminder that even experienced riders are vulnerable to life-changing accidents.
Emma’s journey highlights the fragility of dreams and the courage required to face unexpected challenges. Though she may never ride at the level she once did, her love for horses endures, and she looks forward to healing and finding new ways to stay connected to the equestrian world.