Riding champion Hubertus Schmidt in hospital after a serious fall

As reported by the German Riders and Drivers Association, the incident occurred when DRFV President Hubertus Schmidt was riding an eight-year-old mare in the outdoor arena. The mare was spooked by a noise from a piece of agricultural equipment being used to cultivate a field near the riding arena. She bolted and Schmidt said he had no chance to react. It was the first fall in 30 years for the riding master.

He broke his collarbone, several ribs, his pubic bone and his pelvis. He was initially taken to the nearest hospital in Paderborn. But he was soon transferred to Bochum. He has already undergone a first operation, and a second is still to come.

So much for the bad news, but there is also good news: the riding champion, team Olympic gold medalist and former European Championship silver medalist, team world and European champion was able to walk a few meters with a walking aid just one week after the first operation and is on the road to recovery.

He told DRFV: “It was a very bad fall, but I’m doing well under the circumstances. I have been very lucky. My wife Doris is incredibly supportive. Together we will get through this! I am very confident that I will get going again quickly. I have such good riders, students and horses at home, especially Katharina Hemmer and Anna Schölermann – that’s what drives me to get better.”

All fingers are crossed! Get well soon from the bottom of my heart!