Peter Atkins and Henny at Kentucky WEG 2010 Photo: Toni-anne Collins
Sad news from US based Australian rider Peter Atkins, famous for his helmet cam rides on the very popular Henry Jota Hampton (Henny). Peter has broken his leg in a riding accident and so is now unable to compete at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in three weeks. On his Facebook page (Run Henny Run), Peter says
“I write this with a heavy heart as I have to withdraw Henny from Badminton due to a freak accident this morning. I have broken my ankle and still awaiting full diagnosis and prognosis. As soon as I have that I will update this page and let all of our amazing supporters know my plan for Henny. I am still hopeful that I can continue our bid for the Olympics. Thank you all for your support and we will address Henny's schedule as soon as I have more information”
The good news is that Henny is fine and uninjured. As we all know (having read An Eventful Life – Life Stories of Eventing Champions), Wendy Schaeffer broke her leg nine weeks before winning a gold medal at Atlanta so maybe all is not lost for Peter. We wish him the best of luck and quick healing!
Clayton Fredericks has also withdrawn one of his horses, Dunge's Laurent Rose
85 of the world’s top horses and riders will compete at Badminton this year including the following accepted entries from Australia, taking into account the above changes;
Christopher Burton Holstein Park Leilani
Clayton Fredericks Be My Guest
Sam Griffiths Happy Times
Andrew Hoy Rutherglen
Bill Levett Hippolyte
Bill Levett One Two Many NJ
Wendy Schaeffer Koyuna Sun Dancer
Paul Tapner Inonothing
(Catherine Burrell and Urzan and Emma Dougall with Kelecyn Ice Age are currently waitlisted)
And for New Zealand;
Andrew Nicholson Avebury
Andrew Nicholson Shady Grey
Andrew Nicholson Mr Cruise Control
Jonathan Paget Clifton Lush
Caroline Powell Boston Two Tip
Caroline Powell Lenamore
Jonelle Richards Flintstar
Mark Todd Major Milestone
Mark Todd NZB Grass Valley
