Cliffe Equine patient wins Cotswold Cup after road accident
August 20, 2025
Following expert care from Cliffe Equine, eventing horse Basil made a triumphant return to Brightling Park to claim a first-place prize, just one year on from a devastating road traffic accident.
Karen Allsopp, a long-standing client of Cliffe Equine Vets, and her 15-year-old horse Basil were en route to surgery at the Sussex-based equine hospital when a car collided with their horse box, flipping it over. Both sustained injuries, beginning a year-long journey of treatment and recovery before they could compete again.
Over the last 12 months, the equine vet team in Laughton provided ongoing treatment for Basil, helping him get back to full health, and further took him in when Karen faced her own health complications.
Care and recovery at Cliffe Equine
Atrial fibrillation diagnosis
In July 2024, Basil was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation after a heart murmur was detected during routine examinations. Following veterinary advice, he was scheduled for a Transvenous Electrical Cardioversion (TVEC) procedure at Cliffe Equine in August.
Karen and Basil’s horse box accident
While travelling to the hospital, a car struck Karen’s vehicle, causing the horse box to jackknife, detach, and overturn, throwing Basil against the roof.
Sophie Lunshof, Veterinary Surgeon, and Kassie Hill, Head Veterinary Nurse from Cliffe Equine Vets rushed to the scene. They immediately sedated him and together with Karen, they carefully dismantled parts of the trailer, keeping Basil calm and preventing further injury.
Once freed, Sophie and Kassie cleaned his cuts and carefully transported him to the equine hospital, where he was treated for a serious leg laceration and suffered lameness.
Basil’s recovery
In the weeks that followed, Basil’s recovery was fraught with challenges, including swelling, knee damage, colic, and prolonged box rest. However, after consistent treatment and rehabilitation, Basil was ready for in-hand groundwork by October.
Basil’s holiday at Cliffe Equine
In April, Karen was scheduled for vital surgery after suffering her own health complications. In preparation for her recovery, she brought Basil back to Cliffe Equine, but this time for some much-deserved R&R.
Basil spent five weeks in the care of Cliffe Equine, where he soon became a favourite amongst colleagues.
“He was living his best life eating the clinic out of grass, meeting new girlfriends and being spoilt rotten by every member of staff!” Karen shared.
Competing at Brightling Park
By July, both horse and rider were fit and ready to return to competition for the first time since June 2024.
“When we arrived at Brightling, Basil immediately knew where he was and what he was doing,” Karen recounts.
“He did a lovely dressage test but when I halted, the emotions of the last 12 months overcame me.”
Winning the Cotswold Cup rosette
After a strong performance, Karen and Basil secured first place in the Cotswold Cup 80cm Senior Section E. Cliffe Equine were sponsoring the event, and Sophie – who had been onsite at the road traffic accident – was there to see Karen and Basil cross the finish line.
The moment marked not only a successful return to competition but a celebration of the care, resilience, and teamwork that made it possible.
“It was so lovely to have Sophie on site to see him win!” Karen shares.
A huge thank you to Cliffe Equine
Reflecting on the incident, Karen took a moment to praise the equine team for their role onsite as well as their ongoing efforts during a difficult and complex recovery.
“We will be forever indebted to everyone, and I mean everyone, at Cliffe Equine.”
“Sophie and Kassie attended the RTA, but every vet and every member of yard staff and client care has helped us on our journey over the last 12 months.”
About Cliffe Equine Vets
Cliffe Equine Vets is an RCVS-accredited equine practice offering both ambulatory and hospital services across Sussex and parts of Kent. As a part of IVC Evidensia Equine Vets and Referrals, the hospital offers a range of advanced veterinary services around-the-clock, including cardiology, acute surgery, diagnostics, and emergency and critical care.
Explore more equine news from IVC Evidensia: