March 26, 2008 - 8PM EDT updates from www.eventrider.com

Although still in the ICU Darren continues his gradual improvement, responding to commands and moving his extremities with more consistency. His left lung remains problematic with a chest tube still in place and draining fluids. Cognitively he is more alert, and able to indentify familiar faces. The hospital staff is pleased with his progress.

March 25, 2008 - 5PM EDT

Darren continues to exhibit slow but steady improvement. He is still breathing independently without a ventilator with increasing pulmonary function. He remains in ICU. Many thanks again from the Chiacchia family for your prayers and support.

March 19. 2008 - update on Darren's Horse from New Spring Farm

Although the fall suffered by Darren and Baron Verdi at the fifth jump at Red Hills Horse Trials on March 15 was a full-blown rotational fall, Baron stood up immediately and was overtly intact. He walked back to the stabling area without apparent distress, was carefully tended and examined there, and later transported back to his stall at Independence Farm in Ocala. Some bruising on his flank subsided in a few days and he has been exercised significantly yesterday, again without any evidence of injury or lameness. We now give a sigh of relief about this important breeding animal, but are quickly refocused to deep concern about the severe injuries suffered by Darren Chiacchia (see eventrider.com), our dear friend and partner of twenty-five years' time. The support for him shown by thousands worldwide is very appropriate, critically needed, and very much appreciated. Please hang in there, all of you, this may turn out okay.
Tim and Cheryl Holekamp

March 18, 2008

*Note from Meg Johnson: Darren's family and close friends are so very comforted by the outpouring of support. It is possible that an online outlet for that support may be created in the future. However, for now, in order to keep Darren's condition information as close to the source as possible, the plan is to continue posting progress notes on Darren's website at www.eventrider.com. The USEA media will also be utilized (www.useventing.com). Darren remains unconscious in critical condition but is now breathing independently without the assistance of a ventilator. He was also able to squeeze his brother's hand. Yesterday, a minor fracture was discovered in his left hand, but the extent of his brain and neurological injuries are still the major concern. His friends and students are keeping Independence Farm running until Darren returns to "take the reins."

On a more personal note, I am so moved by the kindness exhibited by the eventing community and so proud to be part of this sport. For so many people, Darren in an icon, but for others of us, he's so much more. As most of you know, I was Darren's working student. For anyone who's had the opportunity to work and train with somone like Darren, words cannot express the bond that's formed that neither time nor distance can break.
This is so surreal to me because nearly ALL of my best eventing memories and so many of my life memories include Darren. Darren brought me back from my cross country accident and gave me the will to ride again and I hope to be there for him every step of the way through his recovery.

This was a sad and tragic weekend for our sport and I'm keeping Darren, the two horses who've crossed the "rainbow bridge" and the entire eventing community in my prayers. Further updates will be posted as they
are received. Thank you all for your love, prayers and support.

March 17, 2008

An emergency fund has been set up by the Equestrian Aid Foundation for Darren. Donations can be made via their website at: http://www.equestrianaidfoundation.org/

or send your donation by mail to

EQUESTRIAN AID FOUNDATION,
c/o Janise Gray,
228 Phillips Terrace, Union, NJ 07083.

Please indicate Darren's name in the memo section of your check.

Visit Darren's Website for further updates: www.eventrider.com

STATEMENT FROM CHIACCHIA FAMILY
March 16, 2008 - 2PM EDT

As you know, Darren was injured in an unusual accident on March 15, 2008 at the Red Hills Horse Trials. He was negotiating the preliminary cross country course aboard seven year old Baron Verdi, whose recent performance at home and in competition had provided Darren with great confidence. A misstep led to a somersault of horse and rider.

Darren remains in critical condition in an intensive care unit in Tallahassee. He sustained a severe head injury, and also contusions to both lungs with multiple rib fractures and a partially collapsed lung. Initial concerns about spinal injury were alleviated after extensive specialized testing. His pulmonary function is improving, but the major concern remains the head injury. His overall condition shows definite improvement, but he remains unconscious. His family and close friends are with Darren, and all remain optimistic he will continue a slow, but steady, recovery. Please keep Darren in your thoughts and prayers.

*Note from Meg Johnson: I have spoken to a close friend who is with Darren at the hospital. Darren and his horse, Baron Verdi, had a mishap on cross country and suffered a rotational fall of horse and rider. Although I am not at liberty to discuss any details of his condition, we are all optimistic. Darren is a dear friend, a world class rider, and an excellent ambassador for our sport. If I receive any new public information, I will pass it along immediately. Until then, your thoughts, prayers and well wishes are greatly appreciated.