When a riding accident happens in seconds, recovery can take months. Four-star event rider Nana Dalton recently opened up about her ongoing battle with a head injury sustained in late April, offering a raw and honest look at what many riders face silently.
A Split-Second Goes Wrong
Warming up for the showjumping phase at a competition, Nana and her horse experienced a genuine misunderstanding over the approach to an oxer. What followed was every rider’s nightmare—an awkward jump that sent the horse scooting forward as Nana slipped her reins and landed hard on her back and shoulder blades.
“I slipped my reins and ended up unceremoniously coming out the back door and landing on my back/shoulder blades,” she recalled matter-of-factly on her Nana Dalton Eventing Facebook page.
The Decision That Changed Everything
At 39 years old, Nana had been looking forward to her second appearance at Badminton Horse Trials—a prestigious milestone in any event rider’s career. Her mount, Absolut Opposition (Miley), had battled soundness issues since their Badminton debut three years prior, making this opportunity feel even more important.
But as Nana’s body went into shock back at the lorry, reality set in. The realization hit hard: she’d have to withdraw from the cross-country phase. Her Badminton dream would have to wait.
Months of Silent Struggle
What many didn’t see was the months of struggle that followed—the lingering effects of what’s often dismissed as a “mild” head injury. Nana decided to step back from competition for the rest of the year and has scheduled attendance at a specialized concussion clinic in Birmingham to support her full recovery.
Why She’s Speaking Out
Nana’s decision to share her experience publicly wasn’t about seeking sympathy or criticism. Instead, it was about raising awareness of how debilitating even a “mild” head injury can truly be. She found strength in hearing about others’ similar experiences and wanted to return that favor to riders who might be struggling silently.
“I’m not writing this to receive any form of sympathy or any form of abuse as to how I should or shouldn’t have done things, but purely to give an insight to my experience,” she explained. “Although not everyone will agree with what I’ve done and how I’ve done it, I have only ever tried to make the right decisions along the way and do the best I can trying to juggle everything.”
A Reminder for Every Rider
Nana’s story is a powerful reminder that head injuries deserve serious respect and proper recovery time. Whether you’re a four-star competitor or a weekend warrior, your health comes first. The trophies and competition opportunities will still be there—but your wellbeing won’t wait.
If you’ve experienced a head injury in the saddle, take Nana’s example and don’t rush your recovery. Listen to your body, seek professional help, and give yourself the grace to step back when needed. The horses will always be there, but you only get one brain.
Have you dealt with a concussion from riding? Share your story in the comments below to support others on their recovery journey.