After his fall with Hans Dampf on the advanced cross-country course at Five Points Horse Trials on Sept. 5, Will Faudree underwent neck surgery at Duke University Medical Center (N.C.) on Sept. 6 and is now recovering at home in Hoffman, N.C. Hans Dampf was uninjured in the fall, which occurred at a table in the water.
Faudree fractured the C6 and C7 vertebrae in his neck, which resulted in some numbness down his left side.
“As soon as I hit the ground, something felt wrong,” said Faudree. “I lost the feeling [on my left side] but not the movement, which was really weird.”
Dr. Melissa Erickson led a team of surgeons at Duke University Medical Hospital, and they were able to operate successfully on his vertebrae, bringing back the feeling in Faudree’s left side. He left the hospital on Sept. 8.
“The first couple of days were a bit rough, but I’ve got a good crew here,” Faudree said. “I have actually been able to walk up to the barn a couple days and see the horses. ‘Hans’ is no worse for the wear; he was very happy to see me.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” continued Faudree. “I think the hardest part is when I wake up in the morning, just soreness, stiffness. I sleep in the neck brace; I can’t ever take the neck brace off. I’m trying to get used to it, but it’s not at all comfortable.”
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Hans, a 9-year-old Oldenburg (Heraldik—Look CR, Looping), is owned by Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables.
“He was having a great round,” said Faudree. “He’s a very careful horse, and I think that’s what makes him so great. But he jumped the lip of the water and tried to bounce to the table, not realizing how wide it was, and I saw him stretch out as far as he could, but [he] caught a toe. It was an unlucky fall.”
Before he was imported, Hans competed through CIC*** level in Europe with Andreas Dibowski, and Faudree and Hans completed the advanced-intermediate division at Full Gallop Farm (S.C.) in August.
“I’ve had him since the end of May,” said Faudree, “I took my time to really get to know him.”
Faudree said his dressage instructor John Zopatti will be doing some riding on his horses until he’s back in the tack.
“I anticipate a full recovery, but it’s going to be a bit of time,” said Faudree. “I’m going to miss this autumn but definitely plan on being back for the spring. The horses will have a nice little break this autumn and come out ready to go next year. I hope to be riding again in January and gearing up to compete by the end of February.”
