Welcome Team Chiacchia

May 2, 2008 To all friends and fans of Darren Chiacchia Darren's improvement over the last 2 weeks has been nothing short of miraculous. This improvement comes in large part from all of your well wishes and support, both emotionally and financially. Darren and his friends and family are eternally grateful for this support and are happy to share some of his progress with you.

All funds contributed go directly to pay the medical expenses of Darren

	All of us at the Equestrian Aid Foundation wish to thank everyone for truly embracing the Ride for Hope and Team Chiacchia for your overwhelming generosity. Your help is still needed! Please visit the EAF website to see how you can assist our fellow equestrians who need your support.

Darren and appropriately named Second Wind by
Windfall out of Serena

Please click HERE to read letter from
TIM HOLEKAMP

May 6, 2008, From Robert Dover

I am very pleased to report that Darren rode two horses with me today. He has practically 100% coordination both on and off the horse. His fitness is fairly good and I could see his self-confidence grow minute by minute.
I was extremely conservative and we worked extensively on equitation and position, advancing only when I was thoroughly convinced he was ready. By the end, Darren rode all 4th level movements in a very organized manner and was very please as was I by the outcome.
He is going to meet Lauren Hough in Kentucky this weekend and hopes to begin jumping small jumps with her. While I was very concerned when I first heard this, I now feel confident that, under expert supervision, Darren will complete his lessons with Lauren as successfully as were his dressage lessons.
Best to all. Robert

PhelpsSports.com Offers Exclusive Interview with Darren Chiacchia

"I have one number one goal. That is to make a 100% recovery." Darren Chiacchia

Wellington, FL - May 7, 2008 - - PhelpsSports.com (www.PhelpsSports.com) has posted an exclusive interview by Pegasus Award winning reporter Jennifer Wood with eventing Olympic medalist Darren Chiacchia. It is one of the first interviews that Chiacchia has allowed since his devastating and life-threatening accident at the Red Hills Horse Trials on March 15.

Wood spoke with Chiacchia on Tuesday at Robert Dover's farm in Wellington, Florida.

This fascinating and revealing conversation, with one of the nation's most popular horsemen, is available now to subscribers at www.PhelpsSports.com.

Wood said of her conversation with Chiacchia, "Like anyone who has seen or talked to Darren in the past few days, I was amazed at how healthy he looks, how upbeat he is, and the startling progress he has made since the last official report."

"Darren said that with his riding, he is still in the beginning stages - getting his riding muscles back and working on the basics of flatwork," Wood continued. "In addition to light riding and tennis, Darren goes to the gym every day and does physical therapy."

"One of the best things to say about Darren is that he is hopeful," said Wood. "He says the number one thing in his life right now is recovery - a 100% recovery."

You can read the complete interview, plus see exclusive photos of Darren Chiacchia riding today, at www.PhelpsSports.com.

John and Beezie Madden, Missy Ransehousen,
Jonathon Holling, Lauren Hough, Robert Dover at Independence Farm

For more information and pictures please click here