Madonna breaks bones in riding accident

[gldstwmn]

Singer suffers cracked ribs, broken collarbone, broken hand

Tuesday, August 16, 2005; Posted: 1:47 p.m. EDT (17:47 GMT)


NEW YORK (AP) -- Madonna's 47th birthday celebration was marred when she suffered several broken bones in a horse riding accident at her country home outside London, her publicist told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The superstar was hospitalized with three cracked ribs, a broken collarbone and a broken hand, according to Liz Rosenberg, her spokeswoman based in New York.

The accident occurred Tuesday at Ashcombe house, her estate outside of London.

Madonna and an assistant were riding horses, when Madonna, on a new horse she wasn't accustomed to riding, took a tumble. Her children, Rocco and Lourdes, were at the home but were not with their mother at the time, Rosenberg said.

"The whole family was out in the country, celebrating her birthday," Rosenberg said.

Her husband, director Guy Ritchie, took Madonna to an undisclosed hospital, where she was treated. Rosenberg said the entertainer was expected to be released later in the evening.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/16/people.madonnainjured.ap/index.html

[Neal]

That sucks :( . I hope she makes a speedy recovery... :nod:

[dissention]

I can't wait to hear her new song about this accident on her new album.

I tried to ride a horse, I tried to hold on strong
I tried to stay on top, I tried to be the best
I guess I did it wrong, That's why I wrote this song
This type of new horse - Is it for me?
This type of hospital care - Is it for free?

So, I went on the TV, looking for sympathy
A little company - That only Oprah could provide
It's more easily said, tabloids always been the same
This type of new horse is not for me
This type of hospital care is not for free

F*ck it...f*ck it...f*ck it!

Best wishes to her, though. I hope she's okay and recovers quickly.

[Pisces Queen]

She's damn lucky it wasn't worse than it is. Poor girl ~ sucks to spend your birthday in the hospital.

[BTFLCHLD]

yea thank goodness it wasnt worse... :nod:

[bretonbanquet]

I reckon she'll cope. Not long ago a girl fell off her horse near to where I live, and it kicked her in the head as she fell. She died and very few people got to hear about it, so forgive me if Madonna doesn't get my full sympathy :rolleyes:

[strandinthewind]

I reckon she'll cope. Not long ago a girl fell off her horse near to where I live, and it kicked her in the head as she fell. She died and very few people got to hear about it, so forgive me if Madonna doesn't get my full sympathy :rolleyes:

Good Lord - because some other person did not get full press and Madonna did you have less sympathy for Madonna as a human being - that is a little harsh :eek:

[jadegypsy]

So bretonbanquet: did you have a horse kick you in the head recently to say something like that! I mean really I think breaking 3 ribs a collar bone and a hand sucks enough. Do you have any idea how many ppl get hurt in riding and you never hear about it, it doesn't make me any less sympathetic towards those that you do hear about. And it's probably a good thing that this gets publicized I've seen far to many little kids on horses they shouldn't be riding, so maybe ppl will wake up a little when they realize a grown-person can have trouble with a horse as well.

[ontheEdgeof17]

Happy Birthday, Madge.


Get Well soon so your fans can spend thousands of dollars for your concert tickets.

[JazmenFlowers]

that's horrible and I agree it could have been much much worse. although I'm not a HUGE Madonna fan, I wouldn't wish anything like that on anyone...think about poor Christopher Reeves. Much love to her and hope she gets well soon. A Madonna concert is still on my list of things to do...

[Neal]

that's horrible and I agree it could have been much much worse. although I'm not a HUGE Madonna fan, I wouldn't wish anything like that on anyone...think about poor Christopher Reeves. Much love to her and hope she gets well soon. A Madonna concert is still on my list of things to do...

As well it should be! :nod: She's fabulous in concert. Hopefully this incident doesn't push back the (alleged) spring tour next year...

[bretonbanquet]

Good Lord - because some other person did not get full press and Madonna did you have less sympathy for Madonna as a human being - that is a little harsh :eek:

Who said anything about having sympathy for her as a human being? Does she need it as a human being? I have little sympathy for her accident, that's different. It's a hardly a major injury and she'll get every single scrap of care she wants - my sympathy tends to go to those more deserving. It's not like she needs, or even wants, my sympathy.

[amber]

Who said anything about having sympathy for her as a human being? Does she need it as a human being? I have little sympathy for her accident, that's different. It's a hardly a major injury and she'll get every single scrap of care she wants - my sympathy tends to go to those more deserving. It's not like she needs, or even wants, my sympathy.
I feel you, dude. ;)

[strandinthewind]

Who said anything about having sympathy for her as a human being? Does she need it as a human being? I have little sympathy for her accident, that's different. It's a hardly a major injury and she'll get every single scrap of care she wants - my sympathy tends to go to those more deserving. It's not like she needs, or even wants, my sympathy.

It is more like sympathy that she or any other human being is in pain, etc. But, to each their own.

[bretonbanquet]

So bretonbanquet: did you have a horse kick you in the head recently to say something like that! I mean really I think breaking 3 ribs a collar bone and a hand sucks enough. Do you have any idea how many ppl get hurt in riding and you never hear about it, it doesn't make me any less sympathetic towards those that you do hear about. And it's probably a good thing that this gets publicized I've seen far to many little kids on horses they shouldn't be riding, so maybe ppl will wake up a little when they realize a grown-person can have trouble with a horse as well.

I appear to have touched a nerve :wavey: I have a good idea about riding injuries having had plenty of my own at the hands of my bad-tempered thoroughbred. I agree about kids who shouldn't be riding getting put on horses they can't control, and I have sympathy for them in the event of injury. However, I stand by my lack of feeling for Madonna's problems since I suspect she bit off more than she could chew and paid the price. There's a current impression of her here that she's an English Countrywoman wannabe, who's just bought her way into what she perceives to be a 'normal' upper-class English way of life. Horses, shooting, country estates and enormous amounts of cash - it's just a sad dreamworld, traditionally populated by out-of-touch English aristocrats. For someone from the other side of the world from an ordinary background to decide to buy that way of life is laughable - she's more out-of-touch than the home-grown aristos. It makes our class system the joke that it is. I guess my prejudice has shone through here and I don't necessarily expect you guys to understand it... anyway I'll reserve my sympathy regarding riding accidents for the likes of Christopher Reeve.

[bretonbanquet]

I feel you, dude. ;)

I'm glad someone does :xoxo:

[strandinthewind]

I appear to have touched a nerve :wavey: I have a good idea about riding injuries having had plenty of my own at the hands of my bad-tempered thoroughbred. I agree about kids who shouldn't be riding getting put on horses they can't control, and I have sympathy for them in the event of injury. However, I stand by my lack of feeling for Madonna's problems since I suspect she bit off more than she could chew and paid the price. There's a current impression of her here that she's an English Countrywoman wannabe, who's just bought her way into what she perceives to be a 'normal' upper-class English way of life. Horses, shooting, country estates and enormous amounts of cash - it's just a sad dreamworld, traditionally populated by out-of-touch English aristocrats. For someone from the other side of the world from an ordinary background to decide to buy that way of life is laughable - she's more out-of-touch than the home-grown aristos. It makes our class system the joke that it is. I guess my prejudice has shone through here and I don't necessarily expect you guys to understand it... anyway I'll reserve my sympathy regarding riding accidents for the likes of Christopher Reeve.

To go a bit off topic. My issue is your tone comes across as almost laughing at her and her misfortune, which I find rude. Sort of like she deserved it because she is a rich imposter. To me, that is the same snobbery that I abhor in people of her class issuing to the poor. But, maybe the cultural differences here are clouding your message. In the end and in any event, I would never wish ill on anyone rich or poor and if either got in an accident that caused them pain, I would be sorry for their pain no matter what lesson I subjectively thought was taught. So, that is my I reacted the way I did.

Interestingly, Christopher Reeve was rich and could afford any medical care :shrug:

[bretonbanquet]

It is more like sympathy that she or any other human being is in pain, etc. But, to each their own.

Yeah, sure someone's in pain - but how much sympathy can one person have? If you have sympathy for Madonna in this instance, then how much proportionate sympathy do you have for someone tortured to death in Uzbekistan or 160 people lost in a plane crash? There's only so much sympathy, man, and once I see some people's real problems there's no sympathy left for Madonna ;)

[strandinthewind]

Yeah, sure someone's in pain - but how much sympathy can one person have? If you have sympathy for Madonna in this instance, then how much proportionate sympathy do you have for someone tortured to death in Uzbekistan or 160 people lost in a plane crash? There's only so much sympathy, man, and once I see some people's real problems there's no sympathy left for Madonna ;)

Certainly, I sympathize more with someone who suffers more. But, I have sympathy for anyone in pain. Again, I do not lose sympathy for somone in pain just because they are rich because I think that is being a snob, which I abhor. I guess maybe I am more sympathetic in general than you are - which is cool. Like I said, to each their own.

[bretonbanquet]

To go a bit off topic. My issue is your tone comes across as almost laughing at her and her misfortune, which I find rude. Sort of like she deserved it because she is a rich imposter. To me, that is the same snobbery that I abhor in people of her class issuing to the poor. But, maybe the cultural differences here are clouding your message. In the end and in any event, I would never wish ill on anyone rich or poor and if either got in an accident that caused them pain, I would be sorry for their pain no matter what lesson I subjectively thought was taught. So, that is my I reacted the way I did.

Interestingly, Christopher Reeve was rich and could afford any medical care :shrug:

Sure Christopher Reeve got all the care his money brought him, but the point is, it did him no good :(

I'm not laughing at her just because she fell off a horse - I was laughing at her before. It's got nothing to do with snobbery either - quite the opposite in fact. This is the thing about class that you guys thankfully have never had to deal with. Having money does not mean you are upper class. Nouveau riche, or people from ordinary backgrounds who come into money, are usually so bereft of taste and awareness that they buy into a false idea of what makes them look good. There's no subtlety, no humility and most of all, no class... Where there's a class system is where these people look so obviously out-of-touch. That's why people don't like them.

I don't wish ill on anyone, I never said I was glad she got hurt - but I refuse to feel sorry for her. Would she feel sorry for me? I think not. It may be the worst thing that ever happened to her, it may not - but I hardly care.

[amber]

Yeah, sure someone's in pain - but how much sympathy can one person have? If you have sympathy for Madonna in this instance, then how much proportionate sympathy do you have for someone tortured to death in Uzbekistan or 160 people lost in a plane crash? There's only so much sympathy, man, and once I see some people's real problems there's no sympathy left for Madonna ;)
That's when I shift to, what is, in essence, meaningless sympathy. Like, I have sympathy for madonna's injuries, but she doesn't care, she'll never know, and I don't really feel it that much. I think about it for, say, 3-4 seconds and say "oooch, bummer. Hope she'll be okay" and that's about the extent of it, which, considering it's affect, is plenty, I think. :)

[bretonbanquet]

Certainly, I sympathize more with someone who suffers more. But, I have sympathy for anyone in pain. Again, I do not lose sympathy for somone in pain just because they are rich because I think that is being a snob, which I abhor. I guess maybe I am more sympathetic in general than you are - which is cool. Like I said, to each their own.

The size of her bank balance is not the reason why I don't have sympathy for her - anyway that isn't snobbery. Snobbery is behaving like your money has bought you the right to look down on those without money, which appears to be what Madonna is doing. Like suddenly not allowing people to walk across her land, as they've done for centuries. That kind of thing is why I have no sympathy for her current problems.

As for being more sympathetic in general than me, well what a thing to say :shrug: I'm just a bit more discerning about spreading my sympathy.

[strandinthewind]

. . . It's got nothing to do with snobbery either - quite the opposite in fact. This is the thing about class that you guys thankfully have never had to deal with. Having money does not mean you are upper class. Nouveau riche, or people from ordinary backgrounds who come into money, are usually so bereft of taste and awareness that they buy into a false idea of what makes them look good. There's no subtlety, no humility and most of all, no class... Where there's a class system is where these people look so obviously out-of-touch. That's why people don't like them.

To me, that sounds like snobbery against the rich :shrug: It sort of is like saying "Oh you are rich so you can't possibly suffer in any way and if you do, I refuse to feel sorry for you because you are rich - I only feel sorry for the poor because they are more deserving than you despite any pain you may be in." I just never feel that way. I always feel bad for anyone hurt in an injury. But, to each their own.

I don't wish ill on anyone, I never said I was glad she got hurt - but I refuse to feel sorry for her. Would she feel sorry for me? I think not. It may be the worst thing that ever happened to her, it may not - but I hardly care . . . .

Actually, her religious beliefs indicate she cares about you now and would then :shrug:

[dissention]

Actually, her religious beliefs indicate she cares about you now and would then :shrug:

Her religious beliefs must also be behind her not allowing children to touch her at all when she does book signings for her ghost-written books. :laugh:

[strandinthewind]

The size of her bank balance is not the reason why I don't have sympathy for her - anyway that isn't snobbery. Snobbery is behaving like your money has bought you the right to look down on those without money, which appears to be what Madonna is doing. Like suddenly not allowing people to walk across her land, as they've done for centuries. That kind of thing is why I have no sympathy for her current problems.

As for being more sympathetic in general than me, well what a thing to say :shrug: I'm just a bit more discerning about spreading my sympathy.

LOL - to each their own and we are never going to agree because you are a snob :laugh: a loveable one, but one nonetheless - in fact most Brits are, and I love them for it :cool: I mean if her kids dropped dead, would you say - oh she deserves it. I think not and if you did :eek:

[strandinthewind]

Her religious beliefs must also be behind her not allowing children to touch her at all when she does book signings for her ghost-written books. :laugh:

I never heard that - let's see the site because I have seen pics of her holding kids, etc.

[bretonbanquet]

To me, that sounds like snobbery against the rich :shrug: It sort of is like saying "Oh you are rich so you can't possibly suffer in any way and if you do, I refuse to feel sorry for you because you are rich - I only feel sorry for the poor because they are more deserving than you despite any pain you may be in." I just never feel that way. I always feel bad for anyone hurt in an injury. But, to each their own.

Like I say, it's got nothing to do with money, but maybe you've not read my post yet ;) Would you feel bad for anyone hurt in an accident? Without wishing to create a crass comparison between Madonna and an African dictator, would you spare sympathy for Idi Amin if he fell off his horse? How far does your sympathy stretch? My point is, it doesn't make you a bad person if you don't feel sorry for everyone's little problems.

Actually, her religious beliefs indicate she cares about you now and would then :shrug:

Don't start me about that. Religion and fashion do mix after all :rolleyes:

[dissention]

I never heard that - let's see the site because I have seen pics of her holding kids, etc.

Ooh, quite defensive, aren't we? :wavey:

I've seen them, they're pics from when she read her latest ghost-written book in NYC a couple of months ago. There was an article I read back when her first one was published that talked about how she made it clear to her security and the management of the store that the kids were not allowed to touch her. I thought it was quite funny, considering they're only six year olds.

[bretonbanquet]

LOL - to each their own and we are never going to agree because you are a snob :laugh: a loveable one, but one nonetheless - in fact most Brits are, and I love them for it :cool: I mean if her kids dropped dead, would you say - oh she deserves it. I think not and if you did :eek:

:eek:

I think not too - I may be a bit argumentative and difficult in a British class-obsessed stiff-upper-lip kind of way, but I am not totally heartless :D Not usually anyway :)

[strandinthewind]

Like I say, it's got nothing to do with money, but maybe you've not read my post yet ;) Would you feel bad for anyone hurt in an accident? Without wishing to create a crass comparison between Madonna and an African dictator, would you spare sympathy for Idi Amin if he fell off his horse? How far does your sympathy stretch? My point is, it doesn't make you a bad person if you don't feel sorry for everyone's little problems. :

Yes, I would feel sorry Idi Amin if he fell of his horse, though as you correctly noted, Madonna hardly rises to that level. It is not my place in the world to laugh at the misfortune of others or to exact some type of justice for it. That is what courts of law are for. I think that if I did that, then I would not be the better person. Hey - it works in my head :laugh:

I also want to say that like Amber, I am not crying for Madonna while tyoing this :laugh: I am just sorry she a bit of bad luck. That is all.

[amber]

LOL - to each their own and we are never going to agree because you are a snob :laugh: a loveable one, but one nonetheless - in fact most Brits are, and I love them for it :cool: I mean if her kids dropped dead, would you say - oh she deserves it. I think not and if you did :eek:
You're a snob, too, Strand. A lovable one. From America. In fact, most wealthy people are, and I love them for it. :xoxo:

[strandinthewind]

You're a snob, too, Strand. A lovable one.

I think people think that because I like nice things. But, that is different than being a snob as I see it.

But, in the end, I try not to be one in a bad way - but in the end we all are I guess.

[bretonbanquet]

Yes, I would feel sorry Idi Amin if he fell of his horse, though as you correctly noted, Madonna hardly rises to that level. It is not my place in the world to laugh at the misfortune of others or to exact some type of justice for it. That is what courts of law are for. I think that if I did that, then I would not be the better person. Hey - it works in my head :laugh:

I also want to say that like Amber, I am not crying for Madonna while tyoing this :laugh: I am just sorry she a bit of bad luck. That is all.

You Americans have far too much love and sympathy for the ills of the world, that's your trouble - you should have submitted to the wonders of the British Empire for a bit longer - we would have beaten that out of you soon enough :thumbsup:

:xoxo:

[strandinthewind]

You Americans have far too much love and sympathy for the ills of the world, that's your trouble - you should have submitted to the wonders of the British Empire for a bit longer - we would have beaten that out of you soon enough :thumbsup:

:xoxo:


I agree. Of course, your snobbier upper class got our snobbier upper class to buy into the royal snobbery and then marry our daughters into it for prestige, while your upper class got the money of our upper class as a dowery. Oh well, such is American history :laugh: If you all just had not raised the tax on that damn tea :laugh:

[Moony]

Too bad she didn't break her neck.

yeah, I said it.

[amber]

I think people think that because I like nice things. But, that is different than being a snob as I see it.

But, in the end, I try not to be one in a bad way - but in the end we all are I guess.
you didn't quote my whole thing. I'm actually not really in any position to say whether you are snobby or not, I was pointing out that your blanket statement about his being british and snobby sounded a bit off to my ears. :)

[strandinthewind]

Too bad she didn't break her neck.

yeah, I said it.

you are so bad :xoxo: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[bretonbanquet]

you didn't quote my whole thing. I'm actually not really in any position to say whether you are snobby or not, I was pointing out that your blanket statement about his being british and snobby sounded a bit off to my ears. :)

I noticed that too, but in my quiet reserved British way I let that one go :cool:

[strandinthewind]

you didn't quote my whole thing. I'm actually not really in any position to say whether you are snobby or not, I was pointing out that your blanket statement about his being british and snobby sounded a bit off to my ears. :)

Did you edit - because I hit quote - oh well.

As for the Brits, they have the rep. of being snobby and operating withing a stricter class system than in the states. Whether that is true I will leave up to you to deceide for yourself :cool:

[bretonbanquet]

Did you edit - because I hit quote - oh well.

As for the Brits, they have the rep. of being snobby and operating withing a stricter class system than in the states. Whether that is true I will leave up to you to deceide for yourself :cool:

I'm shocked and hurt :distress: Mind you, if you count looking down on the rest of the world as being snobby, then what's wrong with that? It's perfectly normal :angel:

[catinthedark]

Or maybe, she was just out having fun with her husband and two kids on her birthday. We don't know. But we do know that she had an accident, and that she was badly hurt (and don't care what you say - broken bones are serious). I feel bad for her - I hope she recovers soon. I'd feel the same about anyone here on The Ledge who had an accident - and I don't know anyone here any better than I know Madonna. It's not about whether she needs or wants my sympathy. I feel for her, as I would feel for anyone else who got hurt. I don't know Stevie Nicks either - but I could still feel for her upon the death of her father.

But as a couple of people said, to each his/her own.

PS: I'm not American.

[amber]

Did you edit - because I hit quote - oh well.

As for the Brits, they have the rep. of being snobby and operating withing a stricter class system than in the states. Whether that is true I will leave up to you to deceide for yourself :cool:
yeah, maybe. I guess Madonna would be classless american new money. :laugh:

[Moony]

you are so bad :xoxo: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Oh, did you think I was joking??

:p

[strandinthewind]

I'm shocked and hurt :distress: Mind you, if you count looking down on the rest of the world as being snobby, then what's wrong with that? It's perfectly normal :angel:

LOL - the sun never sets indeed :laugh: :xoxo:

[bretonbanquet]

LOL - the sun never sets indeed :laugh: :xoxo:

We'd be quite happy to welcome you back into the Empire, just so long as that Bush chappie isn't included in the deal - just let us know if you want to come back to civilisation like the good old days :lol:

[strandinthewind]

We'd be quite happy to welcome you back into the Empire, just so long as that Bush chappie isn't included in the deal - just let us know if you want to come back to civilisation like the good old days :lol:


GOOOOOODDDDD SAVE THE QUEEEEEEEEEEEENNNN :cool:

Her first act will be beheading Bush and Co. and then the heads will stay on the pikes of Tower Bridge :cool: :laugh: (just joking if the Secret Service is reading :laugh: )

[SapphireSister]

I want pictures of this :p. No for real though I have been conetempating taking riding lessons but several people have told me it can be very dangerous. I've only been riding a few times in my life and the first time when I was a kid the horse took off with me and I was scared out of my mind. It was a long time before I rode again but when I did I loved it. Any advise from you riders?

[strandinthewind]

I want pictures of this :p. No for real though I have been conetempating taking riding lessons but several people have told me it can be very dangerous. I've only been riding a few times in my life and the first time when I was a kid the horse took off with me and I was scared out of my mind. It was a long time before I rode again but when I did I loved it. Any advise from you riders?

WEll, there must be a local horse park where you live. Go there and ask for some lessons. Riding is very fun, but I am not all that into it. I do like it though. The coolest time I ever did it, I was in Costa Rica and we rode through the rainforest and then down the mountain to the beach. My horse, who had recently gotten over being lame, galloped on the beach. It was heaven - though I was scared a little.

[SapphireSister]

WEll, there must be a local horse park where you live. Go there and ask for some lessons. Riding is very fun, but I am not all that into it. I do like it though. The coolest time I ever did it, I was in Costa Rica and we rode through the rainforest and then down the mountain to the beach. My horse, who had recently gotten over being lame, galloped on the beach. It was heaven - though I was scared a little.

Yes I was looking into taking lessons but when I told my mother she freaked out and said "nooo, it's too dangerous". I could still do it if I wanted to but I don't want to get hurt.

[strandinthewind]

Yes I was looking into taking lessons but when I told my mother she freaked out and said "nooo, it's too dangerous". I could still do it if I wanted to but I don't want to get hurt.


Well, the horse park should have comparatively docile horses. It just takes too much time for me to go and do it, though there is a horse park about two miles from my house :laugh: It also is expensive.

[bikerchic]

I want pictures of this :p. No for real though I have been conetempating taking riding lessons but several people have told me it can be very dangerous. I've only been riding a few times in my life and the first time when I was a kid the horse took off with me and I was scared out of my mind. It was a long time before I rode again but when I did I loved it. Any advise from you riders?
I've had horses and have ridden all my life. I worked on a horse farm for most of my life with show jumpers and hunters. I have also fallen off a few times and have broken both my arm's, was stepped on by a horse and broke my foot and was kicked by a stallion and broke three ribs (the most painful break) but I still love it. My 10 year old daughter is now taking riding lessons, which I highly recommend. Horses are a very interesting breed of animal. They can be very "spooky" and very unpredictible. It helps if you are not nervous around them as they can sense this.

[bretonbanquet]

, but the Brits have a reputation as whinging, stinking poms.

Only with bitter Australians :cool:

[strandinthewind]

Only with bitter Australians :cool:


Ah - the Aussies - you'd think they would be happy as they are always pissed. Ah - Well - such is life :cool: