Olympic rider Darren Chiacchia competing at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Chiacchia is currently recovering from injuries suffered at the Red Hills Horse Trials.

After suffering severe injuries on March 15 during the Red Hills Horse Trials in Tallahassee, Fla., three-day eventing Olympic champion Darren Chaicchia continues to exhibit slow but steady improvement. He sustained a severe head injury as well as contusions to both lungs with multiple rib fractures and a partially collapsed lung.

On March 24, the Chiacchia family reported that Darren was removed from a ventilator and his pulmonary function is increasing. His ability to communicate is improving, utilizing hand gestures and making appropriate eye contact. Prognosis remains positive, but he remains in ICU at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

An emergency designated fund in Darren's name has been established through the Equestrian Aid Foundation at www.equestrianaidfoundation.org. In addition to donating online, checks can be sent to (Please indicate Darren's name in the memo section of your check.):

EQUESTRIAN AID FOUNDATION
c/o Janise Gray
228 Phillips Terrace
Union, NJ 07083

A special fund raiser for Darren is also scheduled for April 2 at W.C. Dover Farm at 534 Dover Rd., Havana, FL., 32333. The event includes food and a $50 minimum donation is requested per person.

For more information, visit www.horsefestival.com/chiacchia.html.