German born American FEI rider Silva Martin has moved back home to Pennsylvania, where she has begun rehabilitation at the Bryn Mawr Clinic after sustaining a severe head injury falling off her horse on 5 March 2014.
Based in Wellington, Florida for the winter, the 34-year old Martin sustained bleeding in her brain and stayed at the Delray Medical centre in Florida before her condition stabilised and she was able to move back to Cochranville, PA.
In an interview with The Chronicle of the Horse, Silva's husband Boyd Martin disclosed that Silva is still dealing with the effects of the injury, i.e. a loss of balance, as well as speech and vision impairments.
“I must say she’s improved out of sight," Boyd told the Chronicle. "Her speech is getting better and better and her balance and eyesight are still improving, but not at the same rate as her speech. The prognosis is very good. She’s undergoing seven hours of therapy every day at the Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Clinic."
Silva's mom, Mrs Stigler, has flown in from Germany and is currently helping her daughter at home.
“Silva’s got a wonderful group of staff that will be able to keep the younger horses humming along,” said Boyd. “I think Silva has a long challenge ahead of her. In the line of work we’re in, we have to be positive and optimistic, but also realistic. Without question, I think she’s going to make a full recovery. (...) Everything was just starting to really come together for her, and this has been a real hurdle for her, but she’s a relentless competitor, and I think in a way this will make her even stronger.”
Source: The Chronicle of the Horse
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Recovering Silva Martin Moved to Rehabilitation Center
Wellington Dressage Riders Visiting Hospitalized Silva Martin
Silva Martin Conscious and Smiling
Silva Martin Sustains Head Injury in Riding Accident