The German rider Marco Kutscher was transported to the hospital after a fall in the Grand Prix of Rome this evening. Kutscher and the 14-year old stallion Van Gogh (Numero Uno x Bernstein) had just jumped a clear first round in the Grand Prix. Because of that, they managed to place themselves for the second round. At the third obstacle of the second round, Kutscher misjudged the distance causing his horse te stumble through the oxer. Horse and rider fell to the floor, and Kutscher was trapped underneauth Van Gogh because the horse tried to stand up again. Van Gogh rolled onto his back, and struggled to get up again with Marco still lying underneath. Eventually, Van Gogh stood up and was led out of the arena. The horse seemed to be uninjured. The competition was paused for 15 minutes, during which Kutscher was attended to by the medical staff and the show officials. Eventually Kutscher lef the arena on a stretcher with pain in his neck and head. Show organizers later confirmed that Kutscher was conscious and had not suffered a break to his leg or hip as initially feared. He was transported immediately to hospital to receive a complete examination. UPDATE May 30th: After spending the night in observation, Marco Kutscher checked out of the hospital on Monday, May 30th with plans to return home to Germany. He is reported to have suffered no broken bones or internal injuries during the fall, and aside from a few cuts and scrapes, he is in good shape.
The German rider Marco Kutscher was transported to the hospital after a fall in the Grand Prix of Rome this evening. Kutscher and the 14-year old stallion Van Gogh (Numero Uno x Bernstein) had just jumped a clear first round in the Grand Prix. Because of that, they managed to place themselves for the second round. At the third obstacle of the second round, Kutscher misjudged the distance causing his horse te stumble through the oxer. Horse and rider fell to the floor, and Kutscher was trapped underneauth Van Gogh because the horse tried to stand up again. Van Gogh rolled onto his back, and struggled to get up again with Marco still lying underneath. Eventually, Van Gogh stood up and was led out of the arena. The horse seemed to be uninjured. The competition was paused for 15 minutes, during which Kutscher was attended to by the medical staff and the show officials. Eventually Kutscher lef the arena on a stretcher with pain in his neck and head. Show organizers later confirmed that Kutscher was conscious and had not suffered a break to his leg or hip as initially feared. He was transported immediately to hospital to receive a complete examination. UPDATE May 30th: After spending the night in observation, Marco Kutscher checked out of the hospital on Monday, May 30th with plans to return home to Germany. He is reported to have suffered no broken bones or internal injuries during the fall, and aside from a few cuts and scrapes, he is in good shape.