European eventing champion Laura Collett has re-injured her collarbone in a training fall and will undergo surgery. The three-time five-star winner announced the setback, which occurred a few weeks ago due to low sun during cross-country schooling. She has withdrawn from upcoming events at Barbury and Oxstalls.
Laura Collett, the European eventing champion and a three-time winner at five-star level, revealed she displaced the plate in her collarbone after a 'freak fall' while cross-country schooling a few weeks ago. The incident, caused by low sun, comes after she initially broke the collarbone in November 2025 and underwent surgery last year. Collett confirmed the horse emerged unscathed, which she described as 'the main thing' and a source of relief. She has competed successfully this season at Tweseldown and Lincolnshire but now faces a mandatory break. 'Although I’ve managed a couple of events, I’m going to have to sit the next couple of weeks out while I go in for an operation to get it fixed,' Collett said. Despite the timing at the season's start, she emphasized her fortune: 'I’m very aware of how lucky I was, so although it’s hard to be missing out at the start of the season, it could have been a whole lot worse and I have an amazing team behind me keeping the horses in tip-top shape for my return.' Collett expressed lasting gratitude to helmet maker Uvex Equestrian and body protector firm Racesafe, along with her supportive owners. 'Accidents happen and it’s important to realise it’s not all plain sailing. You just have to pick yourself up and come back stronger,' she added. As a result, she has pulled out all six rides at Barbury this weekend (27-29 March) and her two entries at Oxstalls (4-5 April).
