SIXTEEN-year-old one day eventer and show jumper, Lara Hopkins, from Milton Abbot, who was to take a two year break from riding in October to study her A levels, took an unwanted break of a different kind at the prestigious Horse Trials held at Hatherleigh at the weekend.
The event, attended by amongst others, international stars William Fox-Pitt and Mary King, kicked off with the BE100 event.
Lara and her mount Joint Alliance were lying in eighth place after a score of 40 in the dressage and a faultless display of show jumping.
Clear approaching the 11th fence on the cross country course and in full flight, Joint Alliance took a dislike to the obstacle, refusing, and sending Lara into full flight, landing on her shoulder on the other side of the fence and breaking her collar bone.