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Horse riding is a popular sport and recreational activity enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. While Equestrian sports can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, it also poses several risks that riders need to be aware of. The horrors of the joyful sport once caused serious injuries to a 21-year-old girl. A grieving mother has shared her heart-wrenching story about the horseback riding accident that caused her daughter to lose a portion of her skull. 

The incident happened when her daughter was out on a horseback ride and suddenly fell off the horse, hitting her head on the ground.

A Horrific Equestrian accident

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Alisha Hopkins, a 21-year-old student from Somerset had to undergo major surgery after a horse riding accident that left her with severe head injuries. The incident happened almost 2 years back when the girl fell off, hitting her head hard on the ground. She was immediately taken for medical attention to stabilize her condition but later discovered that she had suffered a traumatic brain injury.

via Reuters

Doctors had to perform a surgical procedure that involves temporarily removing a portion of the skull and replacing it with a Titanium plate. Fortunately, Alisha was soon out of the critical situation. She is making a strong recovery and was able to perform the basic tasks. However, the scars of the serious injuries are still present, not only on her but on her family as well. 

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According to the Daily Mail UK, her mother, Rachel Strawbridge still blames the unfortunate accident as the reason for their misery. Rachel believed that Alisha could’ve been much better and more efficient had the injury not happened. “She is so strong. She is not the Alisha we had before.”, she told the reporter. Although she is thankful for the medical staff for saving her child. She added,  “I am so grateful she is still her”. Alisha’s experience is a reminder of the importance of safety in sports and high-risk activities. However, even experienced riders have faced the wrath of this unpredictable sport. 

The accident of a popular TV face

Katie Price, a 44-year-old model and horse rider, experienced a similar mishap. She is a popular British novelist, model, and television personality who is recognized for her passion for horses. The horse suddenly spooked in September 2022 when Price was riding it, forcing her to tumble off and land awkwardly twice.

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A post shared by Katie Price (@katieprice)

She posted about the accident on social media and wrote, “The 1st time the horse spooked and bucked, 2nd time was when the horse refused to jump, then bucked so high then ran off me and started to buckeroo, thankfully I had a body protector and hat on but was feeling sore and bruised.”

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The recent accident highlights the unpredictability of the sport. It also emphasized the importance of taking appropriate measures to prevent injuries. By doing so, riders can enjoy the benefits of horse riding while reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.