Amy Carver’s mom spent nine days waiting for her daughter to emerge from a coma, and was relieved to recognize the woman who eventually woke up.
"When somebody’s had a brain injury . . . (doctors) don’t know how they’re going to be when they wake up," Debbie Thompson explained.
"But she’s totally herself."
Carver, 30, is in good spirits and on track for a full recovery following a traumatic head injury she suffered July 11 while competing in team cattle penning at the Calgary Stampede.
The mortgage broker and mother of two has been moved to a rehabilitative unit at Foothills Hospital, where she’s now working with speech and occupational therapists, Thompson said.
"She’s probably got two to three weeks in the hospital left to just get her motor skills better and stuff like that."
Carver’s kids have been in to visit, and she was also allowed out for a weekend visit to the family ranch. Her memory, however, has some gaps.
"Mostly she doesn’t remember anything about Stampede, which is probably just as well," Thompson said.
The accomplished horsewoman was hurt when she struck her head on the arena floor after her horse collapsed and died.
She also suffered a broken shoulder blade when her mount ended up on top of her.
Thompson said her daughter has already been talking about riding in a cattle penning show with her brother at the end of August, although her participation is in doubt.
"I think she’s a long ways from riding," Thompson said, then stopped herself.
"I shouldn’t say that. She’s improved a lot."
The horse, 16-year-old Alvin, was buried on his home ranch outside Millarville, about 60 kilometres southwest of Calgary. Thompson said the horse, which she owned since he was four, had a "neat personality and really loved to work."
She suspects it was a heart attack that claimed Alvin’s life, although the family never ordered an autopsy.
"This whole thing was a totally freak accident," Thompson said.
Meanwhile, an investigation continues into the midway ride accident July 16 at the Stampede that sent six people to hospital. The most seriously injured, 13-year-old Justice Cote, suffered punctured lungs and other internal injuries, said her mom, Crystal.
Alberta Health Services confirmed the teenager is no longer a patient.
Cote was hurt when a mechanical arm detached from the Scorpion ride and dumped its passengers.
The accident is being investigated by the Alberta Elevating Devices and Amusement Rides Safety Association.
A request for a comment from the group was referred to Municipal Affairs, to which it reports.
Spokeswoman Jessica Spratt said a final report from the investigation is due in about a month, and any findings from it will be forwarded to the minister for action.
A representative from ride operator North American Midway Entertainment could not be reached for comment.
jfries@theherald.canwest.com
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