Nicola Wilson and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We were pleased to see British rider Nicola Wilson share a video update with her supporters from the spinal rehabilitation unit she’s currently calling home at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesborough, United Kingdom. The 2019 European champion suffered a crashing fall near the end of cross country at Badminton in May; her horse, JL Dublin, was unhurt in the fall.
“My right hand is getting so much better,” Nicola said, giving a wave to the camera. “And my left arm is slowly improving also. So I think I’m on a long road, but I think there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
One of Nicola’s up-and-coming talents, Coolparks Sarco, was recently sent to fellow Brit Piggy March to compete at the Bramham CCI4*-L last weekend (the pair had one blip on cross country but otherwise put in a solid effort this early on in their partnership). While Nicola says returning to the top level of the sport might not be the outcome, she plans to be involved with the sport however she can.
“I can’t wait to get strong enough and get out of here,” Nicola said. “Thank you so much for all your encouragement to date…I have to say, it’s been very, very kindly received.”
At last official update, Nicola’s team says she will likely be in this rehabilitation center for about three months. We’re pulling hard for Nicola as she continues to progress with her recovery.
I’ve had lots of lovely visitors, and as well as family and friends, Tina Cook, Sarah & Brett Bullimore, Lucinda Green, Pippa Funnell, William Fox-Pitt, Dickie, team vet Liz and Piggy came up from Bramham last week which really was so nice. Sadly I didn’t take any photos so I pinched this one from Pip! Lucinda Green painted my toes to cheer me up when I see them and to remind me of her! Well done Piggy and Jeremy, I thought they looked fabulous – and what a great start to their partnership! There’s a little video message at the end of this video with a progress report. Thanks Laura for saving the day on the technology front to enable this update to get to you! Thanks again to everyone who’s sent messages, called and sent gifts. Sorry if I haven’t managed to get back to you but thank you thank you thank you. I can’t tell you how uplifting it is to get post everyday. You are all so so kind. Xxx
Posted by Nicola Wilson Eventing on Thursday, June 16, 2022