Horseman Dave Golding wakes from coma after accident

Campdraft legend Dave Golding was in a coma for half a week after a cattle cutting contest at the Gunalda Stockman’s Challenge.

Dave Golding is on his way to recovery after an accident with his horse during the cattle phase at Gunalda Stockman's Challenge in June 2023.

The Wide Bay Burnett equine community has rallied behind respected horseman Dave Golding after a catastrophic fall during a cattle cutting competition left him with multiple broken bones and punctured lungs.

Mr Golding was competing at the Gunalda Stockman’s Challenge on June 3-4 when his horse went down, crushing him, and he had to be rushed to intensive care at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and placed in an induced coma.

The Gunalda District Campdraft Association’s Bess Brokenbrough launched a gofundme campaign on Tuesday, June 6, to help support Mr Golding’s family during his recovery.

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Horseman Dave Golding is on his way to recovery after an accident during the cattle cutting competition at the Gunalda Stockman's Challenge in June 2023 left him with multiple broken bones and a punctured lung.

“He is out of his coma this morning and the first thing he asked was how was his horse Margie? (She is okay and being well looked after),” the gofundme page said.

“Dave is a respected member of our local horse community. He is currently the president of the Wide Bay Burnett Cutting Club. He always goes above and beyond to help anyone out,” it stated.

A June 9 update from his wife Janet Golding said Dave had been moved out of ICU and into a ward.

“He is doing as well as could be expected,” she wrote.

The update said he was suffering multiple breaks in a number of his ribs and his collarbone, along with a punctured lung.

“The next milestones will be getting him on his feet and keeping him free from lung and chest infections,” she wrote.

Dave Golding is a well respected member of the horse and campdraft community in Queensland.

Mrs Golding thanked the staff at the hospital and expressed her gratitude for the community support.

“We are very humbled and grateful for the support and love shown by everyone around us. Thank you doesn't begin to describe what your support means at this time in our lives,” she said.

The gofundme drew many well wishes and messages of support.

“Wishing you a speedy recovery. From the team at Bridgestone Gympie,” one comment read.

“Keeping you in our thoughts, hope you are back in the saddle in no time,” Julie Holdsworth wrote.

The gofundme has drawn generous donations currently totalling $5150 of a $10,000 goal.

The Gympie Times wishes Mr Golding a speedy recovery and sends thoughts to his family during this time.