While celebrating her 47th birthday Tuesday, August 16, 2005, Madonna fell from a horse while riding at Ashcombe House, her estate outside of London. Reportedly, the injuries she sustained included three cracked ribs, a broken collarbone, and a broken hand. She was taken to an undisclosed hospital by her husband Guy Ritchie and, according to spokesperson Liz Rosenberg, will spend the night in the hospital.
According to reports, Madonna was on a new horse that she was not accustomed to riding. Her children, Rocco and Lourdes, were at home at the time but were not accompanying her on the ride. Rosenberg said to the Associated Press "The whole family was out in the country celebrating her birthday."
A great deal of buzz has been generated recently about Madonna's upcoming album titled Confessions On a Dancefloor. It is scheduled for release November 15th with a preceding single "Hung Up" due out October 17th. All reports indicate the album is a return to Madonna's roots as a dance music performer. She has been most successful with club audiences from the release of her first album (at right).
The Madonna.nu fan site shared photos on Sunday revealing Madonna's new red hair look. The photos, snapped when she was leaving a Kabbalah Centre in Los Angeles, have generated speculation about the image Madonna will present when the new album is released.
UPDATE
Madonna returned home Wednesday, August 17 after a night in the hospital. Although she was in signficant pain, her injuries were not severe. Full recovery is expected in about 8 weeks. Publicist Liz Rosenberg announced that release dates and publicity for Confessions On a Dancefloor will be unaffected.
The horse Madonna rode was a birthday gift from her husband Guy Ritchie. Those who were present at the accident initially feared for her life as she was briefly knocked unconscious. It now appears that there will be no serious consequences from the accident.
