Rachel Lynn – our friend, trusted farrier, and respected colleague – was badly injured while working on a horse last week at the Eldorado stables. The horse was soft tied to a hitching post, spooked, sat back, and pulled the top rail from the posts supporting it. Rachel was hit in the face. The rail was so heavy that when it ultimately landed on her chest, she was pinned to the ground before a neighboring barn owner, hearing the commotion, ran over and heaved it off. This person called 911.

EMTs responded immediately and took over the scene with grace and care. They rushed Rachel to St. Vincent’s Hospital. Her injuries were so extensive, however, she had to be helicoptered to UNM for emergency surgery. Doctors repaired the shattered bones in her face, now held in place by screws and plates. There was an early concern she could also lose vision in one eye, but gratefully that isn’t the case.

Rachel has been released from the hospital but is still in considerable pain. Her mother and her partner, Bree, are caring for her.

Rachel has insurance but doesn’t know how much of the costs will be covered. She can’t work while she recovers, and follow-up care will likely be required. This is how the funds will be used.

Our hope is to raise $25,000 to help defray Rachel’s medical costs and also help her to devote her energies to the important task of healing while she is unable to work.

Rachel is a skilled and caring farrier and most importantly, a lovely person. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.