NICOLA WILSON remains in intensive care in hospital following her fall during the cross-country stage of last weekend’s Badminton Horse Trials.

Wilson, who is based at Danby Wiske, near Northallerton, was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol after falling from JL Dublin on Saturday.

The reigning European Eventing champion, who won a silver medal as part of the GB team at the 2012 Olympics in London, remains in intensive care, and is not expected to be released from her current position for another week or so.

She has not sustained a head injury, and is able to talk and breathe independently, but she has suffered a series of spinal fractures as a result of her fall.

Her injuries are described as being “stable” and are currently being managed in intensive care by the specialists at Southmead.

A statement released by British Equestrian said: “There are several spinal fractures, but these are all stable and will not require any surgical intervention, but will be managed conservatively.

“Other acute symptoms from the trauma are being managed in intensive care by the specialists at Southmead.

“British Equestrian’s athlete health lead, Ashleigh Wallace, and chief medical officer, Anna-Louise Mackinnon, have been working with Nicola’s family and the team at Southmead to ensure all medical information is shared fully across the teams so that care and appropriate support is optimised.

“Her horse, JL Dublin, owned by James and Jo Lambert and Deirdre Johnston, is now back at Nicola’s base in Yorkshire and will be monitored by the team, but appears none the worse for his fall.

“Nicola, her husband, Alastair, and mother, Mary Tweddle, would like to thank the team at Southmead for everything they have done so far.

“They feel incredibly supported by their eventing family and appreciate all the well wishes and messages received.”