United States Eventing Association

Megan Dougherty evented from 2006-2010 before a freak accident ended her eventing career. Megan shares her story below to educate everyone on how quick action can save a life.

My name is Megan Dougherty and I am an 18-year-old from Parker Colorado. On October 30, 2010 I was attending a riding clinic when my horse came up to a jump and abruptly stopped. The momentum threw me forward and I moved my head to the left causing my neck to come down on my horse’s neck, I then rolled off his neck and sat on the ground slightly dazed. I got back on and proceeded to jump two more jumps before returning to the group in the center of the arena where I slid off my horse.

My mother (who is a nurse) came to my side and discovered that I had just had a stroke. I had no movement on my left side and was in ICU for 12 days. I then went to the Craig Rehab Hospital. When I got to Craig I could not move my left side, but six weeks later I walked out of Craig. I am very lucky to have a world renown rehab hospital here in Denver. I am still doing out-patient rehab and am improving every day. I accomplished my goal last May of walking across the stage of my high school graduation!

Yes, I have been back on my horse as he was a huge part of my motivation to get better. Even though I know I probably will never be able to compete again, I still enjoy being on the back of my best friend Salsa.

I have done some research through USEA and discovered that incidents like this have only happened twice in the last 25 years, so don't be scared. I do want to pass along the signs to look for if you suspect a possible stroke:

F- Face: Does one side of the face droop? Ask the person to smile.

A-Arms: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms, does one arm drift downward or doesn't move at all.

S-Speech: Is speech slurred or can't speak at all? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is sentence repeated correctly?

T-Time: If a person shows any of these symptoms call 911 and get to the hospital immediately. (note time of stroke).