Q. It is just over 60 days since your accident, how are you feeling now that you're home?
 
A. It’s wonderful to be home, I feel I am being stimulated by my own environment, horses, home, business. It is crucial to my recovery.

Q. Tell us about your injuries and where you are in your recovery and rehab?

A. I am fortunate that I don't have physical injuries to overcome, other than my head injury. Yes, I do have a few broken ribs, but it is more an inconvenience than a real problem. I go to physical therapy three days a week, as well as tennis lessons -the eye-hand coordination, footwork required in tennis, has been incredible therapy. I am taking swimming lessons two times a week. I have a personal trainer at the gym. As you can see my rehab takes most of my day. However, that is what it takes to achieve my goal of a complete recovery.

Q. What do you remember of your accident and treatment?

A. I do not remember the accident other than having an out-of-body-experience at the time. I recall almost nothing of the 42 days I laid in a coma in the hospital. However, I do recall some conversations that went on around me while in the coma.

Q. How are you coming to terms with the impact of your accident?

A. That is a daily journey.

Q.  How has your return to riding been for you physically, mentally and emotionally?

A. That goes without saying; it is my life passion and work and it is truly a gift to have that back.

Q. What are you focusing on with your riding?

A. Under the careful eyes of Robert Dover, Lauren Hough, and John & Beezie Madden, we are starting with the basics and moving forward.

Q. What horses do you have and what are your plans for them?

A. Windfall will either return to eventing or make his dressage grand prix debut this spring. He is currently in training with Robert Dover. Better I Do It is currently my only qualified horse for the Olympics. It is my intention to pursue that goal to its fullest.

Q. Who is working with you to help you return to top level riding?

A. In addition to the aforementioned, my groom and right-hand person in life and business, Cristen Stoop, has been an integral part of my daily riding.

Q. How has the accident affected how you relate to other people?

A. That is an excellent question and for sure the biggest change in my life as a result of the accident. I am truly grateful for every bit of support no matter how small and I have always been a person to focus on the positive but now I find myself not having any tolerance for those that may be negative in nature.

Q. What are the most significant and life changing lessons that you have taken from what you have been through?

A. Very simply, you don't take anything for granted. You have an innate appreciation for life and the people on that journey with you.

Q. How have your experiences of the past few months impacted your life goals?

A. They haven't impacted my goals one ounce, more over they have added to it. My need and desire to give back and help my sport and the equine community as a whole move forward is paramount.

Q. Would you describe any differences in your life values?

A. Not differences - enhancements.

Q. What lessons did this accident provide that would you convey to other riders?

A. Nothing is for sure. When developing young horses one must expect the unexpected.

Q. Are there any changes you would like to see in eventing as a result of the recent serious accidents to horses and riders?

A. Absolutely, but this article is neither the time nor the place. I will comment on this subject when the time is appropriate.

Q. Will your involvement in horse sports administration and politics change and, if so, how would you like to affect change?

A. Over the last few years my involvement behind the scenes has grown tremendously. I both enjoy this role and treat it very seriously. And I look forward to the challenges ahead.

Q. Where will you spend the summer and how?

A. I will spend the majority of the summer in New York developing my new project, the Knox Farm, a very exciting new venture for me. It is a historic stable built in the 1920’s with incredible heritage. Hopefully, it will soon be the site of a premier event.