Olympian Shane Rose breaks silence about his horrific riding accident

Champion equestrian Shane Rose has broken his silence about the horrific riding accident that risks derailing his Olympic dream.

Three-time Olympic equestrian medallist Shane Rose has broken his silence about his horrific riding accident, but says he is determined to make it to Paris.

Rose, 50, had just qualified for his fourth Olympic Games when he fell on March 14.

He has no memory of the incident, which left him in intensive care at hospital with a broken femur, some fractures in his pelvis, several broken ribs, a broken elbow and a heavy concussion.

“He wasn’t quite sure who he was or where he was or what year it was or what date it was when it happened,” his wife and fellow rider Niki Rose told A Current Affair on Monday.

Three-time Olympic equestrian medallist Shane Rose has broken his silence about his horrific riding accident. Picture: A Current Affair

Rose said he only vaguely remembered riding the horses in the morning.

“Apparently I rode four of my more experienced horses and I have no recollection of jumping any of them or how it happened,” he said.

“The ambulance trip, getting to the hospital, talking to doctors — nothing.”

It is believed the horse Bandit clipped a jump and must have fallen onto him.

“Two people heard it, because he hit the jump quite hard,” his wife said.

“One of the girls looked in that direction and saw the horse coming back and the horse was fine.”

Shane Rose was suspended after a complaint about him wearing a mankini during a fancy dress showjumping event.

Rose said he had “some pretty negative thoughts” during his first few days in hospital.

“Not being able to get away from the situation, and the pain and frustration that I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t roll over,” he said.

“I tried to get the nurse to help me try and lie on my side and that was excruciating.

“I just broke down really. But it’s been good, the next morning I had a shower which was great. It’s amazing, a little shower can make you feel so much better.

“I was bashing myself around the head for a bit but I had a quick chat to Niki and worked it out. Felt a lot better afterwards, actually.”

Rose said he had “some pretty negative thoughts” during his first few days in hospital. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

Rose said he did not think he would have any fear riding again.

“I can’t remember it so I don’t think I’ll have fear from it,” he said.

Almost one month ago, Rose was briefly stood down after a formal complaint about his decision to wear a mankini at a fancy dress event. He was eventually cleared.

Rose won silver medals at the Beijing and Tokyo Olympics, as well as a bronze at Rio in 2016.