Success stories Rebel the Resilient

By Rachel Collins

My husband bought Rebel Collins in a breeze up sale at Ascot in 2013, when he had only gone along to pick up a set of racing silks of our trainer. Over five years, Rebel ran 19 times, 1 win, 5 seconds and several other top four placings. In November 2020, he struck into his right fore superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) during a hurdle race at Plumpton. Covid had meant that owners weren’t allowed at the racecourse so a phone call to us from our trainer/jockey after the race, prompted panic as Rebel had been immediately taken to the on course vet.

Long story short, Rebel was made comfortable, brought back to our racing yard and given 30% chance of survival. I hadn’t released the true extent of his injury until we saw the vet a few days later. It was touch and go but by some form of miracle, Rebel pulled through and made it through three months of box rest and in total, twelve months off however, the thought was that he would hopefully be field sound and at best, sound to hack. He was stable enough to move home to my yard after the initial four weeks so I managed his rehab meticulously.

Our vet was thrilled with his progress, so in December 2021, I was able to bring him back into work slowly. The last one and a half years has flown by, with rehab going brilliantly and Rebel now successfully stepping up to 90cm show jumping and cross country. He has also become something of a dressage diva!

In 2022, my dreams came true of having my horse at my wedding. My fantastic friends brought Rebel along to my beloved Fulham Football Club Stadium and I was able to ride Rebel on my wedding day.

Rebel is a true fighter and has been worth every moment of my time. He is part of the family and even has our last name!