Marilyn Little and RF Demeter fell at fence 17 on the cross-country course at the $100,000 Land Rover Wellington Eventing Showcase (Fla.). Little had been in the lead on RF Scandalous but subsequently withdrew her.

“Demi” trotted off the field, while Little was attended to by on-site medical staff. She was transported by Traumahawk, a medical helicopter, to Delray Medical Center in Delray Beach, Fla., for further examination.

Little confirmed today, Feb. 6, that Demi is doing well. She was checked over by her veterinarian and will have a week off in her paddock.

“I will be earthbound for just a little while—I feel a little like I got shot through the windshield at 20mph,” said Little. “I was wearing a Samshield helmet and Charles Owen Airvest that totally cushioned the fall. I have some substantial bruising, but I am not much worse for the wear. My 2015 baseline IMPACT test will govern timeframe for ‘return to play’ for everyone’s safety.

“I’m gutted for [RF Scandalous] and her owners,” she continued. “She has been spot-on coming into this weekend, and she is such a competitor. I know she was confused and didn’t know why she didn’t get to bring it all home like she always tries to! I have thought so many times about how proud she was after her lovely show jumping performance, bouncing around getting her pats because she has truly come so far and is so proud of her efforts. I suppose she’ll just have to wait for her actual season start at The Fork [N.C.], and I guess we’ll be looking at Boyd’s attractive smile on the Showcase poster for yet another year! I was really trying to stand in his way this year, but such is horses, sports and life! He seems to be the king of the Eventing Showcase.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for their support both now and during the Showcase,” she added. “It was so much fun to ride in front of a hometown crowd, and I enjoyed every moment of showcasing the incredible horses I am lucky enough to ride. ‘Kitty’ had a wonderful weekend, although brief. Quarterman was a brilliant stand-in for William [Fox-Pitt] at the last moment, and Demi, although she had an unfortunate weekend, we know that too is part of the game, and she is still in top form and healthy and happy.”

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum also had a hard fall from Comanche during the $216,000 Longines FEI Wellington World Cup Qualifier and left the ring in an ambulance, but she released a statement that while she’s out of the saddle for a bit, all is well.

“Comanche escaped without injury and is doing well!” the statement said. “It ended a lot more painful for Meredith though, breaking two ribs. Nevertheless she’s hoping to be back in the saddle soon.”