Happy Comly. Photo courtesy of Ozana Photography.
Amanda “Happy” Comly was marking the one year anniversary of hanging up her shingle and going pro in early November, capping off what she called “One of the best years of my life.” And for good reason: Happy grew her string from five to 19 horses, set up shop outside of Plano, Texas, and took home significant honors in both the jumper and hunter derby rings – a series of events which suggested nothing but a bright future.
Unfortunately, 2016 had one more big event to dole out: Happy took a nasty tumble from a horse on November 30, crushing her right arm. The result was multiple fractures and floating bone chips that required major surgery involving pins, plates, and bone grafts. To make matters worse, the first surgery didn’t sufficiently hold up, and Happy will need a second surgery and a long recovery.
As her team explains, “At her two-week recheck, the doctor discovered that the plate, pins, and bone graft had not held and another surgery would be required. Unfortunately, due to the nature of Happy’s personal health insurance, it has been very difficult for her to find a doctor in Dallas that can perform her surgery in a timely manner. Since the timeliness, quality, and outcome of treatment will ultimately affect not only her livelihood, but her overall lifestyle, her family has opted to pay for Happy’s second surgery and resulting medical expenses out-of-pocket.”
Happy has remained nothing but positive and determined throughout a grueling medical ordeal, stating on her Facebook page this week, “It will be a longer road to recovery than expected … but I feel that if love alone could heal me, I’d be most of the way there already. My family is so much bigger than I could ever deserve, and I am thankful beyond words to every member.”
Happy’s loved ones have established a GoFundMe Page where anyone can safely and securely donate toward the young rider’s growing medical bills. We’re sending our best JN karma your way, Happy, and we look forward to writing about your big comeback next season.
Click Here to Visit Happy’s GoFundMe Page.
Many thanks to Ozana Photography for use of the photo.