Our Morningstar Farm family experienced a very serious accident at The Cascade Arabian Youth Benefit Show on Sunday, May 14th. One of our riders was waiting at the arena for her last class of the show when the horse in front of her spooked, threw its rider, and charged our trainer and a nearby child. Luckily, the horse only grazed our rider's leg and missed spectators. The horse then charged into the warm-up arena with a flipped saddle.

Our dear friend, Rheannen (Rhe), and I ran to the warm-up gate and she secured it to keep the horse in. Scared out of its mind, the horse again charged us, lowered its head, and rammed the metal gate. The gate and horse hit Rhe sending her flying back five feet where she landed face down unconscious.

Incredibly, the spooked and injured horse ran around and charged the gate yet again. Since the gate was bent from the first ram, it wouldn’t latch endangering spectators. Amazingly, the horse stopped and turned at the last minute and continued to race around the arena. Witnesses estimate the horse was going over 30 mph when it hit the gate and sent Rhe flying. Fortunately, the onsite EMT and our amazing barn family immediately jumped in to assist Rhe until paramedics arrived.

Rheannen was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. After a CT scan, doctors determined she has fractures in her right cheek and sinus cavity. She has a concussion and tons of stitches but luckily no brain bleed or eye injury. She had surgery last night to debridement the lesions and suture up her forehead and lacerations. She has several broken molars that will need further extensive dental work.

We are grateful for Rhe's quick action to stop the horse from getting out and injuring others and itself. My daughters are safe because of Rhe's swift actions. She was a warrior at the gate and the accident could have been much worse if not for her!

Rhe is facing a long recovery and expensive medical and dental bills. She is a hard-working wife, mother, and equestrian who helps everyone including her mother after the recent death of her step-father. If you are able to help her family by donating they will absolutely pass on the good fortune when able.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Barbre & The Morningstar Farm Family