A Loughborough College lecturer has been back in action at Blenheim Palace following a major riding accident – and thanked her colleagues for their support during her recovery.
Keeley Tongue broke her neck when she was thrown during competition but literally got back on the horse after securing a coveted spot at the prestigious national Horse Trials exactly a year after the dramatic fall.
“I was exceptionally lucky. What happened to me could have been life changing, or life ending.
“I was competing in Cheshire in summer 2017 and one minute was galloping across countryside, the next flipped on my back with around 20 people around me, including medics.
“It was a major trauma. I’d broken my neck in two places and I was airlifted to hospital.
“They stabilised the fractures but although I am used to accidents and pain after years of riding, this was something else. It was horrific. I couldn’t drive, I couldn’t even walk. In the end I was in a collar for 111 days.
“Loughborough College were so good to me and I have to say a huge thank to them for everything they have done throughout this time. Their support definitely contributed to me recovering so effectively,” said Keeley, a lecturer on the College’s professional accountancy qualification courses.
“Every year eventing riders and horses die so after the accident I had, to come away without even any spinal chord damage is a big deal.
“I was medically discharged in April this year, which meant I was eligible to compete for British Eventing again and, exactly a year after my accident, I was thrilled to hear I had been accepted into the Blenheim Palace Horse Trials.
“A team mate gave me a new horse, Taraakum – or Brian – and I thoroughly enjoyed competing and was over the moon with the result. I came a very respectable 13th out of 37 in a competitive class. After such an awful year I am lucky even to be riding and it was a big achievement to take part in such a high profile international event with such established horses and riders, let alone to come anywhere, so I was chuffed to bits.
“I really am exceptionally grateful to Loughborough College for their part in enabling me make such fabulous memories. I consider myself very fortunate.”
“We are delighted we have been able to support Keeley throughout what looks like her making a full recovery,” added Loughborough College curriculum manager for degree level engineering, creative and professional qualifications Dan Apparicio. “As a team we pulled together to get through this time and it’s great to see Keeley back at work and play!”