Multiple World and Congress Champion trainer Sandy Vaughn is back! Vaughn made her comeback from her hip injury on March 29th at Fox Lea Farm in Venice, Florida where she showed in the pleasure driving and was in the points!
On November 7th of last year, Sandy was thrown from a horse, subsequently breaking her hip resulting in her spending a week in the hospital and undergoing physical therapy for five months to rehabilitate from her injury. Also exacerbating her injury was the fact that Sandy already had problems with one of her knees leading to a slower recovery.
Just this past week, Vaughn rode her first horse since the accident. “It was wonderful to ride again, and I am so thankful to be back showing,” says, Vaughn. “I was so amazed by the support and cards that were sent to me from people in the industry. I never realized what kind of impact I’ve had on so many lives until now. One lady sent me fifty dollars and thanked me for being so kind to her in the past and giving her a hunt coat to wear one time at a show. It is remarkable to see the love and support from so many family and friends in the horse industry.”
“Training and showing horses are my life,” Vaughn states. “I missed it so much. I’ll be back riding and showing, but I may be a little more careful. I love to start young horses over fences. I may not be able to do it at the caliber I did when I was younger–but I’ve been there and done that, and I still have a great amount of knowledge that I would like to share with others.” (pictured left at the Fox Lea Show on March 29th)
Vaughn plans on having knee surgery in the next few months and hopefully will be recovered and pain free by the time she judges the over fence classes at the Congress in October.
“My doctors may not want me to ride again, but it’s in my blood, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else in my life. I can relate to that Hallmark cartoon character, Maxine, who says all the funny quotes about aging. I will continue to show, ride and teach because it is my passion, and, if I have to go out, it will be kicking and screaming!”
