Marc Peter Spahn Hospitalised After Fall from Horse

Dressage

Belgium

The Dutch based Belgian Grand Prix rider Marc Peter Spahn has been hospitalised after a fall from a horse on 20 December 2022. The well known rider of Friesian horses has fractured his leg and is awaiting surgery.

Fall from Horse

The 46-year old Spahn fell from a horse on Tuesday afternoon and was brought to the local hospital by ambulance.

"Not a good prognosis for me, I will have to cancel everything in January," Marc-Peter took to Facebook. "I will have surgery this week, preferably asap. During an unfortunate fall from my horse, I suffered a leg fracture."

Omaha

Spahn and his top horse Elias (by Jorn 430 x Maiko 373) just came home fresh from placing 13th with 73.315% at the World Cup qualifier in London. The duo is aiming for 2023 World Cup Finals in Omaha (USA) and Spahn has not given up hope that he can reach this target.

"You can cry, but it won't help. What is important now is to keep things on track at home. All horses must be given a place to stay in training. I haven't thrown in the towel yet, I have too big goals in mind," he wrote.

Peter's partner Ykje Baron will be keeping Elias fit so that Peter can get back on as soon as possible. "This is what's so nice about Friesian horses. Elias and I can just pick up where we left of. He's an exemplary horse. He helps me where needed," Marc-Peter told Phryso.

Spahn says he'll try to enter the World Cup qualifiers in Gothenburg (23 - 26 February) and Den Bosch (9 - 12 March).

"We're getting help from all sides," said a combative Peter. "From people in our stable as well as those lobbying from the outside. Even though I can burst out in tears I have confidence in a positive result."