Lyndon Rife, Region 9 Dressage Trainer and Competitor Severely Injured in Riding Accident Students and Friends of Rife Are Asking For Your Help

Contact: Sarah Pape Hester 214-585-2209, [email protected]

Lyndon Rife, well known Region 9 dressage trainer and Grand Prix competitor from McKinney, Texas was severely injured in a riding accident that occurred at his training facility in Pilot Point , Texas on Wednesday, October 14, 2009. Rife was riding a client’s horse at the time and the accident resulted in a ruptured spleen and broken ribs. He was rushed to Denton (Texas) Regional Hospital where he underwent an immediate operation to remove his spleen and repair the broken ribs. The operation was successful, and Rife is recovering at the hospital. Friday (October 16) he was still in ICU, according to wife, Juliie Madriguera.

As it often is with many of our equestrian professionals, Lyndon and Julie do not have coverage to pay for the medical bills. Julie will continue training horses and teaching lessons, but obviously Lyndon will be out of commission for some time and unable to bring in needed income. Medical costs for this emergency operation will be very high and Lyndon’s students, clients and friends have set up a fund to help cover these expenses. Those wishing to make a donation may go to any Wells Fargo Bank and make a deposit to the “Lyndon Rife Medical Fund”. Or you may send a check to: Lyndon Rife Medical Fund, c/o Sarah Pape Hester, 5811 N. Woodcreek Cir., McKinney, TX 75071. Make checks payable to “Lyndon Rife Medical Fund”.

Background:

Lyndon Rife is a nationally acclaimed equestrian, and has earned his gold, silver and bronze medals with the United States Dressage Federation. Rife has over 25 years experience as a competitor, trainer and clinician. He has been a driving force in Region 9 dressage with his endeavors to improve the quality of dressage. He regularly brings in Olympic caliber clinicians such as Heike Kemmer (Olympic Gold) and Michelle Gibson (Olympic Bronze). Rife created the Texas Dressage Classic with its $10,000 Freestyle Division that just completed its 10th year at the Texas Dressage Classic in Tyler, Texas. For more biographical details about Lyndon Rife, see his website: www.LyndonRifeDressage.com.