Jennifer Landale, a 31-year-old Scottish mother, suffered a severe horse riding accident in May 2021 while helping a friend break in a young horse near Huntly, Aberdeenshire. After being thrown from the horse, she was dragged along the ground by the reins and kicked in the face by the horse’s back hoof, resulting in multiple facial fractures, a fractured neck, and severe injuries that pushed her face back into her head. Airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, Jennifer underwent a grueling 12-hour surgery to reconstruct her face, spending nine nights in hospital including time in intensive care.

Despite the traumatic ordeal and significant facial damage, Jennifer is grateful to have avoided permanent eye damage, though she lost her sense of smell and has a diminished sense of taste. She praised the emergency medical teams for their swift and expert care, which she credits with saving her life and providing vital reassurance during the crisis. Now recovered and having recently given birth to her son Glen, Jennifer reflects on her experience with gratitude for the support she received throughout her recovery.