Words of well wishes have come from all over the country for Tryon event rider and trainer Amy Barrington, who remains in Spartanburg Regional suffering from severe brain injuries after a fall from her horse Wednesday, Sept. 4.

According to reports from fellow eventer Beth Perkins and a Facebook page created to update friends and family on her recovery, Barrington was riding alone on Sept. 4 when she fell and hit the left side of her head, which caused severe trauma.

Polk County EMS Director Michael Crater said EMS responded just before 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4 to reports of a female with possible head injuries.

Crater said the call came into EMS after Barrington’s horse returned to the barn without her. Barrington was found with severe head injuries and transported to the trauma center at Spartanburg Regional, according to Crater.

A message left on the Facebook page by her husband, Greg Schlappi, on Thursday, Sept. 5 read:

“There are no changes in Amy’s condition to report at this time. Her vitals remain stable and we all hope for positive changes soon. The outpouring of concern, support and compassion that you all have shown has made this day bearable for me and Ben. I will try to kiss Amy for each of you.”

The community has set up a variety of ways to help the family.

One of those ways would be through the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club. TR&HC President Nancy Wilson said the club is taking donations, as well as encouraging people to send them to a fund set up through the Equestrian Aid Foundation, whichever a supporter feels more comfortable doing.

“What we would like to do at the riding and hunt club is collect any monies – made out to Amy Barrington – and we will put that exact money back to the family. We are also encouraging people to donate to the Equestrian Aid Foundation if they so choose,” Wilson said.

The Equestrian Aid Foundation is a national program, based in Wellington, Fla., that helps riders with injuries such as the ones Barrington sustained.

“We will be giving a fairly large donation as a club to the EAF placing her name on it so the money will specifically go to Amy,” Wilson said. “This is not about us, we just think we can be a avenue for people who want to help.”

Donations can be sent to the TR&HC at 6985 S. NC 9 Highway Columbus, N.C. 28722.

Wilson said the club is also planning a special fundraiser during its TR&HC recognized horse trials at FENCE set for the weekend of Sept. 21.

“We’ll do something big at those trials because we already have several of Amy’s students set to participate in that event,” Wilson said.

The Farm House in Landrum is also collecting donations. Anyone wishing to help through the Farm House, can send a check written to “Amy Barrington” to: The Farm House, 22341 Asheville Hwy, Landrum, S.C. 29356. For more information, call 864-457-3557.

On Barrington’s recovery Facebook page, friends have posted dozens of well wishes.

“My heart is also breaking,” said Carolyn West. “Life has given Amy the biggest bump in the road ever, but we all know 1) Amy is Awesome 2) Amy is Tough, she can win this!!!”

Inspiring comments were also posted from former students.

“Amy, you are in my thoughts and prayers,” said Justin P Hull of Fountain Inn, S.C. “I look forward to one day seeing you back out, again inspiring us all to be better then we think we can be. That is what you gave me when you taught me.”

Jill M. Patt, Dvm, of Arizona had this to say:

“I remember Amy from more then 20 years ago when I was training with her in AZ. Even then she was an amazing rider She is a wonderful human and such a skilled trainer. Wishing her a full recovery.”

As Barrington recovers, cheer cards can also be sent her way through Spartanburg Regional hospital’s website at www.spartanburgregional.com/Pages/CheerCard.aspx.

To post on her Facebook page, visit www.facebook.com/amybarringtonrecovery