Eventer Colleen Rutledge, who has ridden her Shiraz to clean cross-country rounds at the Rolex Kentucky, Pau, Burghley and Badminton CCI****s, had a fall from a preliminary horse, Siren’s Call, on Oct. 5 at the Morven Park Horse Trials (Va.).

Rutledge, 35, suffered a broken hip and underwent successful surgery on Oct. 8. She is expected to be out of the saddle for six weeks; she had planned to compete Covert Rights at the Dutta Corp. Fair Hill CCI*** (Md.) on Oct. 16-20 but will withdraw.

Rutledge, of Mt. Airy, Md., explained the circumstances behind the fall on her Facebook page. “It was a simple, slightly downhill table. She had been slightly overly aggressive at the previous fences and was no different to this one,” Rutledge said.

“She objected to me asking her to slow down as we were approaching, and as we reached the fence, rather than balancing and jumping up and around with both front legs, she braced and twisted catching her front right. I’m not sure what side hit first, but we definitely both hit the ground, where my air vest deployed and regular vest prevented any major internal injuries. Somehow she rolled over my head, because there is a dent on the visor of my helmet.”

Rutledge said that Siren’s Call sustained just minor scrapes, stiffness and bruising in the fall but is sound and healthy.

“The force of the fall dislocated my left hip, causing an acetabular fracture,” she continued. “Other than that, I’ve just got some bumps and bruises, and I’m a bit stiff today. I’m so thankful for the safety equipment that I have, truly believing that it prevented me from having greater injuries. Thank you to all of the people who helped me and got me taken care of in a timely manner.”

Cards can be sent to Colleen Rutledge, 6953 A Linganore Rd., Frederick MD 21701