WHILE it didn’t seem at all possible at the end of August, October turned into quite a busy month for veterinary surgeon, medical student and event rider, Kate Keenan.

Competing in the CNC* at Maddybenny on August 28th, Kate suffered a very heavy fall at fence two on the cross-country course which resulted in multiple fractures to her pelvis. First taken to the local hospital in Coleraine, she was then transferred to the Royal Victoria in Belfast for surgery.

Fit and healthy before her fall and determined after it, Kate was ready for physiotherapy in next to no time and, with her brother being a strength and conditioning coach, was able to return to her third year studies early last month.

“The RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) were prepared to let me do the next few months between wheelchair/crutches. I’ve already ditched the former and am hobbling around Beaumont Hospital on crutches. I’m doing more rehab in the gym and, in the past week, I’m back driving which is great.”

Kate’s two event horses, Countmein and My Good Thyne Girl, are out on grass with the Cassidy family near Ashbourne but, recently, she has been to Cavan and Killossery following the exploits of her show jumper Cooley Coolcullen. Since his owner’s fall, the seven-year-old Gerry’s Clover gelding has been with Eddie Moloney.

“It’s great that I am back in the hospital as I had been finding it difficult to fill my time,” continued Kate. “I was used to riding at 6am each day, going to Beaumont, doing some veterinary work locally and then heading to the gym. I will make a full recovery and intend to be back for the first event next season!

“I would really like to thank a few people who looked after me so well following my fall. In particular, I would like to thank Dora Beacom and the Northern Region of Eventing Ireland for their relentless support and good wishes.

“The Smith brothers and the Cassidy family have been supremely generous with their time and have taken complete care of my horses since my accident. And to all the equestrian individuals and friends from the many corners of our country who have sent me cards and well wishes, I am tremendously grateful to each and every one.”