An Olympian who suffered serious injuries after falling from his horse has regained consciousness.
International eventer Jonty Evans, who grew up in North Wales, is conscious and able to interact with family members following his horror accident at the Tattersalls International Horse Trials back in June.
He was unconscious for almost six weeks following the fall.
Mr Evans suffered a “significant brain injury” after falling from Cooley Rorkes Drift, also known as Art, during the cross-country phase of the competition in County Meath, Ireland.
Now, he is awake again but is still facing a long period of recovery.
In a statement issued through Horse Sport Ireland, the national governing body for equestrian sport in Ireland, his family said: “We are pleased to report that over the past 10 days Jonty’s condition has continued to slowly improve.
“Jonty has now regained consciousness and is beginning to interact positively with the medical team and his family.
“Jonty is having physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions, which will continue for the foreseeable future as he regains strength and his head injury continues to improve.”
The 46-year-old, who is formally from Trefriw, was a former pupil of Trefriw and Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy Secondary School, and grew up in North Wales “riding hairy ponies” with Aberconwy Pony Club.
He still has family here.
His family added: “Due to the need for Jonty to remain in a quiet and calm environment for a significant period of time, and to continue his recovery as privately as possible, the medical team have advised the family to keep visitors strictly to a minimum.
“The family deeply appreciate all the actions, support and kind words that Jonty has received over the past weeks from the ‘Eventing Community’ – they have found this a great source of strength.
“Jonty’s family thank everybody for their kind thoughts, continued support and best wishes.
“Please respect the hospital request that no calls regarding an update should be made directly to the Connolly Hospital.
“It is not expected that a further update will be provided during the next few weeks, unless there is a significant change in Jonty’s condition.”
Cooley Rorkes Drift, which was uninjured, was considered for sale by its owner last year.
However, Evans, who finished ninth on the horse at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, launched a crowd-funding campaign to keep the ride, and a target figure of £500,000 was successfully raised.
His appeal for help was featured in the Daily Post last year.
Jonty, who has Irish relatives on his father’s side, elected to ride for Ireland only because Wales had no Olympic team.
He is fondly known as the “Ireland rider with the Welsh GCSE” in the country he competes for.
