Community Bands Together For Darren Chiacchia

March 28, 2008

Recently I wrote about the importance of horseback riding safety following the serious accident of world-class eventer Darren Chiacchia. That was the first lesson we were reminded of by this unfortunate incident. But a second, encouraging lesson to take away is that we are part of a wonderful, caring community.

Darren’s horse misstepped at the Red Horse Hills Trials on March 15, somersaulting horse and rider and sending Darren to the ICU with fractured ribs, a partially collapsed lung, and a severe head injury (he was wearing a well-made regulation helmet that investigators say saved his life).  Several weeks later, Darren remains in the ICU. He is slowly becoming more alert, identifying familiar faces, responding with gestures, and moving in his extremities. The ventilator has recently been removed, but he is still having some problems with the injured lung. His prognosis is positive, but he’s still in the ICU.

Colleagues Running Independence Farm
Since the accident, many people have stepped up to keep Darren’s Independence Farm running smoothly. Horse industry greats John and Beezie Madden, Missy Ransehousen, Jonathon Holling, Lauren Hough, and Robert Dover have stepped in to teach his students and prepare and coach them through the upcoming show season. They are donating their time for a friend and colleague whom they deeply respect.

Chester Weber has stepped in to manage the farm in Darren’s absence, including managing sale prospects.

Donations
The Equestrian Aid Foundation set up an emergency fund in Darren’s name. They say, “The response to Darren’s designated fund has been fantastic! This wonderful outpouring from friends and strangers alike is much appreciated by the EAF, Darren’s family and much needed as Darren will face catastrophic expenses for quite some time.”

Well Wishes
The United States Eventing Association website says that there has been a huge outpouring of phone call, emails, and letters  from the eventing community around the world.

A Caring Community
It’s a sign of how well-known for his expertise, talent, class, and contribution Darren Chiacchia is. He’s made such an impact on the sport that people from all over the world are stepping up to care for him and his. But it’s also a sign of a sport made up of compassionate, supportive people who stick together to care for one of their own.

We like to think we’re independent. But we need other people more than we’ll admit. In our individualistic society, it’s so important that we remember to band together as a community wherever we can. It’s an “all for one and one for all” mentality that brings us together in times of need and times of celebration and in every-day life.

And what better community to join than the horse community?

There are horse people of all ages, all races, all backgrounds, and all personalities who love horses of all colors, sizes, breeds, disciplines, and characters. It’s a place where people who are completely different in all other ways can bond over their shared loved of horses.  And oftentimes, walking life’s road together on horseback builds lasting, involved friendships that will make all the difference in the world.

Posted in Horse News, Jackie's Thoughts, Making a Difference