On the 25th of August, 2002, three goaler Justin Pimsner headed back to his home in Aiken, South Carolina with his 10 polo ponies after playing in several tournaments in Saratoga. Unfortunately, a tire blew on his truck, sending his truck and trailer off the road and into some trees in the median. Justin was trapped in the crushed cab of his vehicle for 90 minutes before being airlifted to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The truck and trailer were totaled.

Justin's injuries included two broken legs, a broken pelvis, broken and dislocated hip, three broken ribs, a broken arm, dislocated and shattered elbow, broken ankle and heel, fractured vertebrae and a collapsed lung. He remained in critical condition for several weeks.

Five horses were killed or had to be euthanized at the scene, and one more had to be euthanized at a local vet clinic after evaluation. Of the four that survived, one will only be able to be a broodmare, but the remaining three should be able to return to polo.

Justin is now at a rehabilitation center in Aiken and is expected to recover from all of his injuries. His wife and two young children are very relieved to have him back close to home and would like to thank everyone that has helped their family in their time of need.

 

*UPDATE*

Justin's left leg and right arm suffered the most damage. He has endured approximately 20 surgeries to date and is still going to physical therapy daily. The good news is he is able to walk unassisted and he looks forward to being able to ride again someday.