Support Fund for Briar and her animal family after Briar suffered a serious accident whilst riding her horse, resulting in a broken back
Napier, Hawke's Bay
On the 5th of January 2026, Briar suffered a serious fall from her young horse, Nirvana, breaking her back in 3 places. The fractures do not involve the spinal cord, however the accident has severely impacted Briar's life and mobility, and her recovery is estimated to take 10 to 12 weeks. This traumatic injury happened when Briar was already under significant financial pressure. Her lovely cat Opal, had also suffered a serious fall early December which resulted in a badly broken leg, which required complex surgery and ongoing follow up care. Briar had already committed to the cost of having her horse Nirvana broken in to start riding, she was sent away early November to a trainer for 8 weeks, arriving home 2nd of January, just 3 days before Briar’s accident. Last but not least, is Briar's dearly loved dog Dolly who is now in her 16th year. Dolly has for the last many months had ongoing medical costs and treatment due to age related failing kidneys and a 'delicate skin' condition. Dolly is still a happy dog, despite her age, and Briar is committed to enjoying life with her, whilst Dolly continues to have good quality of life.
As those who know Briar will know, her animals are her family and life.
Any funds raised, no matter how big or small will help hugely to support Briar with these costs for her animals and her own basic living. Briar has initiated support from ACC, and to date has received great support, medical equipment and home help assessment
Thank you for your care
Briar is my daughter
Any funds received will be used for all Briar’s basic living expenses, food etc and to assist in paying large owing several thousand dollar vet bill for Opal’s surgery and Dolly the dog in kidney failure for her ongoing vet treatment and kidney medication
Update 23 January 2026
Briar’s recovery is going well. She has visited the fracture clinic this week and the physio, and both were pleased with her healing as well as the progress she is making so far. She has been very much missing her normal busy life spent out and about with her dogs and her horse especially, and has been finding it hard to adapt to the way life is right now, but has been really lucky to be surrounded by her closest family and friends to help pass the time
Opal’s recovery is also going very well and she was able to have her cast/splint removed last week, and is very happy to have it off. Her fractures are also making great healing progress. She has another 6 weeks or so in a crate until the leg will be healed completely. Photo uploading of her without the cast!
Lovely Nirvana is happy and being well looked after by Briar’s horsey friends. Briar is so lucky to have such fantastic support from them
We thank you all for such an amazing amount of support and kindness. You are making a world of difference for Briar and her animals during such a difficult and scary time and we couldn’t be more grateful
Thank you Dannii! Love and gratitude from Briar and her fur family 🐾♥️✨️🔥
Thank you! Love and gratitude from Briar 😇🐾♥️
Thank you! Love and gratitude from Briar 🐾♥️😇
Thank you Sherri, Rio and Hugo! Love and gratitude 🙏 🐾♥️
Thank you! Love and gratitude, Briar ♥️🐾
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.