Dressage-News

WELLINGTON, Florida, June 25, 2020–Charlotte Bredahl, an Olympic team bronze medalist and the American developing coach, is in the hospital with a “mass on the brain” that is scheduled to be operated on Friday.

Charlotte, 63 years old and based in Wellington, disclosed details of her condition Thursday, saying in a Facebook post: “At this point we don’t know if it is malignant or not, but it needs to come out right away.”

She reported that she noticed a little over a week ago that her left leg was weakening.

“I went to my doctor and got an appointment with a neuroligist for June 29. In the meantime, I went on with work, including a clinic at Hampton Green Farm in Michigan.

“While there I realized my left leg was getting weaker by the day. On the day I flew home it was so bad I needed a wheelchair between terminals.”

Charlotte said that on Tuesday and Wednesday this week MRIs and other scans were performed.

“On Wednesday,” she said, “I was checked into Palms West Hospital because they found a mass on my brain.”

“At this point, we don’t know if it is malignant or not, but it needs to come out right away. I am having surgery tomorrow (Friday) and need all your love and prayers. I have so much to live for. I have amazing friends, family, job and students I love. I have been so impressed with all their progress and desire to get back in the ring. Keep up your great work and hopefully I will see you all at Lamplight (U.S. Festival of Champions venue in Wayne, Illinois scheduled for August) if not way before. I am planning on a lot sooner.”

Charlotte was born and raised in Denmark, but moved to California in 1980.

She rode Monsieur on the U.S. team to earn bronze at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.

She was appointed U.S. Assistant Youth Coach for Dressage in 2014 and four years later succeeded Debbie McDonald as Dressage Development Coach.

Charlotte is also an international judge, but prefers coaching.