This spring has gotten off to a rough start.
The US squad has lost two advanced horses
One to a pulmonary embolism during x-country an another after sustaining a irrepairable hind leg trauma.
Another sad, but changing to heroic story. Darren Chiacchia suffered a severe head trauma when a horse he was riding somersaulted landing on top of him. He was in a coma, but has made remarkable progress and is now close to going home with family and continueing out patient therapy. You can read about him @ eventrider.com.

It has been clearly determined that the use of a Charles Owens helmet-Saved his life

Update on Darren,
He rode this past week some flat work up to and including some 4th level Dressage movements and is planning on a x-country school this weekend.
Incredible- From a trauma induced coma to being a functional rider in less tha 2 months. His goal is to be 100% in time to be competitive @ the WEG[World Equestrian Games] held in Kentucky in 2010.
Should make everyone take a step back and reflect.