Severely injured trainer seeks assistance

[AeWingnut]

from Thoroughbred Times

Severely injured trainer seeks assistance


Trainer Elaine Ferri considers herself lucky to be alive after a July accident in which she was kicked in the face by a three-year-old filly.

The 51-year-old was at her family’s farm in Texarkana, Arkansas, when the accident occurred. She was teaching the filly to accept a halter when the horse escaped her grasp and kicked out as she ran away.

“It wasn’t out of meaness; she bucked and kicked out to run back to the barn,” Ferri said in a letter. “I don’t really know how or why I lived through this. I lost my left eye, my left side of my face was crushed, and I have severe head trauma. …A team of surgeons put me back together the best they could at the time.”

Ferri underwent three major surgeries in 12 days to address 100 facial fractures, but needs more reconstructive work. She said the area around her prosthetic left eye must be built out, and she must have her nose rebuilt to alleviate a breathing problem that was a result of the accident.

The Oaklawn Park-based trainer does not have medical insurance.

Accounts have been set up to help with Ferri's medical expenses, which are currently at $100,000 according to a press release on the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association website.

Proceeds also will also go toward paying for future reconstructive surgeries Ferri will need. The accounts are at Century Bank in Texarkana, Arkansas, and at Northfield Savings in Staten Island, New York. Century Bank can be reached at 870-774-5505, and Northfield Savings can be reached at 718-967-4740.

Ferri can be reached at 501-620-0576 or by e-mail at elfstable@yahoo.com.

A Thoroughbred trainer since 1986, Ferri has saddled 114 winners from 1,906 starters, including stakes winners Flying Gal and Flying to Maketime. While she is recovering, trainer John Barger has taken charge of her stable.