MEMBERS of the eventing and wider equestrian community rallied around Ballynahinch’s Catherine Robinson last week following the devastating news that a kick to the face has left her with catastrophic injuries that have left her permanently blind in both eyes.

A former member of the Eventing Ireland Northern Region and competitive rider, Catherine set up her own business, CR Breaking and Schooling, in Southam, England two years ago. Sadly, this accident means the closure of her business and a long road to recovery.

Catherine’s friends are now fundraising via GoFundMe to give her the best possible medical care, rehabilitation, and support in hope that she might regain even some sight. “This heartbreaking event has turned her world upside down. Catherine now faces an incredibly long and difficult road to recovery, both physically and emotionally. Despite the trauma she has endured, her strength, courage, and spirit continues to shine through, inspiring everyone who knows her.”

Well-known Northern Region event organiser Dora Beacom shared an update to the eventing community, with Catherine’s blessing, on Saturday. “The accident happened while she was lunging a horse and she took the full brunt of the hoof across the bridge of her nose and eyes. It’s suffice to say that [her injuries] were horrific with devastating consequences resulting in the loss of sight in both eyes.”

Catherine had undergone one surgery with another scheduled for Thursday just gone to repair the damage to her nose as the bridge is completely destroyed - hopefully, this will help her breathing.

The updated added: “Catherine has asked me to express her gratitude for the overwhelming generosity everyone has shown through donations, as well as the heartfelt messages and well-wishes shared on various pages. Her partner and sisters have been reading these messages to her, and they are undoubtedly helping her find the strength to persevere and cope with the enormity of the challenges ahead. Remarkably, she has already set her sights on competing in para dressage at the Olympics - if that doesn’t exemplify resilience and strength, I don’t know what does.”

Gransha Equestrian Centre will run a Pop-up Derby on November 23rd with all fees from the day being donated to Catherine’s fundraising. To donate to ‘Supporting Catherine Through an Unimaginable Journey’ click here .