Horse Serious

In an inspiring turn of events, a rider who suffered two broken legs within a span of 10 weeks last year has made an extraordinary comeback to claim the Equifest championship on the anniversary of her second fracture.

Rose-Zena White, at the age of 17, encountered a fracture in her leg during an unfortunate incident involving her six-year-old horse, Dusky, slipping and falling in June of the previous year. Overcoming the odds, she battled her way back to full fitness. However, her determination was put to the test again at Equifest 2022 when she faced a remarkably similar incident while riding her Connemara gelding.

“The first time, I thought it was an unusual accident, a freak occurrence. But then it happened again – and the second time was far more severe,” recounted Rose-Zena during an interview with Horses & Hounds. “My prevailing emotion was frustration, as I had just managed to resume riding, and now, I found myself in the same situation once more. The instant I hit the ground, I knew the leg was broken, and the thought of ‘Not again’ crossed my mind.”

The unfortunate occurrence took place during the evening performance at Equifest, where Rose-Zena and Dusky faced a crowded situation with another horse. She suspects that Dusky panicked due to the lack of space. Following the fall, she spent a week hospitalized and wasn’t back on horseback until October.

Upon her return, she chose to ride her other horse, Ghost, a part-bred Connemara. Together, they secured victory in the working hunter class at this year’s Equifest, culminating in their championship triumph during the evening performance.

“It held tremendous significance,” she expressed. “I’ve shared a longstanding partnership with Ghost; we understand each other on a profound level. Riding a horse that instilled such confidence was a wonderful feeling. Although doubts lingered about resuming riding after the incidents, Ghost’s unwavering support reinstated my confidence. I wasn’t nervous during the evening performance, but I was cautious. Simply making it there felt like a monumental achievement, so winning the championship was truly remarkable; there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.”

Reflecting on her journey, Rose-Zena highlighted that the entire experience had altered her approach to riding, prompting her to be more cautious about ground conditions. Furthermore, her perspective on results had evolved.

“I’ve always been highly competitive, but my leg injuries reshaped my outlook. Now, even if I encounter faults or errors, I perceive them as part of the sport,” she shared. “A day isn’t deemed bad unless it involves genuine setbacks.”

Originally considering selling Ghost at the conclusion of the previous season, Rose-Zena’s mindset has shifted. She now aspires to persuade her father to retain Ghost, viewing her as a horse that has given beyond measure.

“During my hospitalization, I had just been selected for the Pony Club team at Bramham and the under-18 eventing team. Wrestling with profound disappointment, I grappled with the reality that despite my accomplishments, I couldn’t participate. Yet, Ghost provided the motivation that propelled me forward, facilitating my recovery,” she revealed. “Consequently, I’m hoping to keep her as a cherished companion on this remarkable journey.”