Laura Goldman, 66, the fourth-placed finisher in the 1a individual test at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games last fall, suffered a setback in her journey to the 2012 Para-Olympics when she slipped and fell in her kitchen in early February, breaking her hip.

“It was an unfortunate glitch in her training plan,” said Hope Hand, President of the U.S. Para-Equestrian Association. “We all have these disappointing interruptions, but it’s a dream of hers, and she’ll get there. She has such a positive outlook, and we’re excited to see what her future will bring.”

After only a few months of preparation, Goldman guided Trudy Phillip’s Irish Sport Horse gelding Carlingford JD at the WEG, just narrowly missing out on a medal. She was preparing for the CPEDI*** at The Dressage Affaire in Del Mar, Calif., March 10-13 when she fell. She had surgery to repair the break with a plate and is recovering.

Goldman, Highland Heights, Ohio, has muscular dystrophy, but according to Hand she has “natural ability and talent.”

“She’s very fit, and she’s determined to get back into training,” said Hand, who said Goldman would be out of the saddle for a few months. “She’s a fighter. Her performance at WEG was so incredible, and it just shows she has a natural ability. People can ride all their lives and not have what it takes to be an FEI rider, but she has what it takes. I know with her determination she’s going to make it work.”