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Fund Raiser Planned For Man Injured By Horse


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horse.jpgJerry Dean is lucky to be alive after accidentally being kicked in the head by his 11 year old show horse, Phoenix.

The 26 year old Canton man suffered numerous and severe head injuries in the June 21 accident.

“I have an ear to ear skull fracture in the back. I had lots of swelling. I have a lot of teeth broken in my mouth. I’m having a really hard time eating,” said Dean.

Dean has been a local horse trainer, instructor and farrier for four years.

He was getting ready for a competition at Honey Dew Acres in Crary Mills, when the horse spooked and kicked with both feet - hitting Dean directly in the head.

“It happened so quick. All I remember was just getting up off the ground and looking around and seeing everybody come running so I knew it was pretty bad,” said Dean.

The injuries were so severe that he had to be air lifted to a hospital in Burlington, Vermont.

His recovery time is lengthy and costly.

That’s where his friends come in.

“We knew he didn’t have health insurance so a bunch of friends came together. We’re organizing a benefit chicken barbecue,” said organizer Dorothee Janssen.

Organizers plan to begin serving 200 chicken dinners beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Hannawa Falls Firemen’s Field.

Dean says he holds nothing against his horse, calling it an unfortunate accident and taking the blame for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But horses can be unpredictable and anyone working around them should always keep up their guard.

“Horses are live animals. They’re not machines. You can’t always count on them to do the same thing all the time,” said friend Pat Swift.

Dean says he is anxious to get back to work with horses, but is still waiting for a medical clearance and a long road of recovery ahead.

Anyone who would like to make a financial donation to help Jerry Dean’s cause should forward checks to Pat Swift, 80 Leary Road, Canton, NY, 13617.

Watch John Friot’s report:

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Comments

One Response to “Fund Raiser Planned For Man Injured By Horse”

  1. Cassie Laurence on July 18th, 2008 2:22 pm

    There is also a silent auction to benefit Jerry. Items up for auction can be view at

    http://www.northerniceanddance.com/store_/jerry-dean-silent-auction-c-279.html

    Thanks
    Cassie









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