#PRAYFORCLAIRE: Prayers Requested Round the Equestrian Nation For 17-Year-Old CO. Rider Critically Injured in School Shooting on Friday

By: Brittany Bevis

Prayers are rapidly circulating throughout the equestrian nation for a 17-year-old equestrienne, Claire Davis, who was critically injured during a shooting on Friday at Arapahoe High School in Colorado. According to numerous media reports, it is believed that Davis was a random, unintended victim of the shooter, who later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound (CNN).

On Saturday, social media websites were flooded with photos and video clips from a candlelight vigil that was held at Arapahoe Park where high school students, friends, and well-wishers gathered to show their support for the Davis family.

On Sunday, the Littleton Adventist Hospital relayed a statement from the Davis Family via their official Facebook page which spoke in part about Davis’s condition and contained a statement of appreciation from the family.

“Claire remains in critical condition. She is stable, but is in a coma. The first responders got Claire to the right place, at the right time, and the doctors and hospital staff are doing a wonderful job taking care of her. We appreciate your continued good thoughts and prayers, and will provide updates as her condition improves.”

“We again ask that you respect our wishes for privacy, and refrain from contacting us, our extended family, or Claire’s friends and schoolmates, as we want to ensure that only accurate information about Claire is shared.”

“Thank you for your continuing thoughts and prayers for Claire.”- Davis Family statement

Sadly, this event brings to mind memories of another holiday season shooting that occurred last year. Ironically, the shooting at Arapahoe High School occurred just one day before the one-year anniversary of the traumatic elementary school shooting in Sandy Hook, Connecticut on December 14th, 2012, which left 20 children and six teachers dead.

It’s clear to see by taking a look at Davis’s Facebook page that she has had a lifetime love affair with horses. According to statistics posted on the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association website, Davis is listed in second place in 2013 year-end award rankings for the Junior Equitation 15-17 division.

Multi-breed judge and trainer, Karen Banister, of Brighton, CO. describes Davis as a great kid who also competes in Interscholastic Equestrian Association events. Speaking of Davis and Davis’s horse trainer, Banister says, “They are great people, and they love their horses.”

A few funds have been set up on behalf of the Davis Family for anyone who might be interested in making a financial contribution.

First Bank

Arapahoe Donation Fund for Claire Davis

2323 E. Arapahoe Rd.

Centennial, CO 80122

Another fund has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank. Colorado equestrian, Carole Kenney, relayed the following details.

“The fund has been set up to assist the Davis Family in this time of need. I know that this is a loving, caring equestrian community, and we can come together and prove that right now. The account is at Wells Fargo Bank. You can go into any of their branches and make a donation with checks payable to “The Davis Family.” For the first two to three days, you will need the actual account number. After that, just asking for the Davis Family will get it done. Please [Facebook] message me for the number. I’m asking that you please share this information with your entire friend list. Let’s go viral with this whether you know Claire or not.”

We would like to send our thoughts and prayers to Davis’s family and friends during this difficult time and encourage the rest of the equestrian community to band together to help one of our own.