Back in the Saddle: Miami Surgeon Empowers Equestrian with Innovative Spinal Surgery for Swift Return to Competitive Riding

Georgiy Brusovanik, M.D., a renowned orthopedic spine expert based in Miami, recently achieved remarkable success helping professional equestrian, Zachary Brandt, return to competitive riding at the highest level through a minimally invasive lumbar disc replacement surgery. It was one of the first times an equestrian has undergone this highly specialized type of spinal surgery.

Brandt, 31 years old and residing in Ocala, had been grappling with worsening back pain over the years due to the demands of his career as a professional equestrian. Despite trying various treatments such as physical therapy, stretching, and massages, the debilitating pain persisted, hampering his performance and competitive spirit.

"I never had an acute injury that caused me to have surgery," shared Brandt during an interview. "The position in which your body gets put in when you are an equestrian just lends itself to wear and tear on the back."

After extensive research, Brandt and his wife discovered Dr. Brusovanik's expertise in minimally invasive surgery and, specifically, his successful track record with professional athletes. Following consultations and attempts to alleviate the pain with injections, the decision for surgery became evident after Brandt had to withdraw from a major Olympic-level competition due to his back issues.

In November 2023, Dr. Brusovanik performed a minimally invasive lumbar disc replacement surgery on Brandt, resulting in remarkable post-operative progress. "16 hours after surgery I was up and walking, no limp, standing totally straight," exclaimed Brandt. "I was back in the gym six days after surgery and riding one day short of four weeks."

Dr. Brusovanik explained the intricacies of the surgery, stating, "This replacement allows me to remove anything that’s compressing a nerve, which would cause pain to go down his legs, as well as restore the patient’s normal height – I literally make patients taller – which restores Segal balance and addresses chronic back pain and a sensation of being flexed forwards."

Reflecting on the successful outcome, Dr. Brusovanik added, "While I have performed this procedure before, Zach's case was unique due to his high rank in the sport. My approach was meticulous, considering the physical demands of his profession and his specific stature, which was addressed with the modularity of the implant."

Brandt's determination and the expertise of Dr. Brusovanik have not only salvaged his career but also paved the way for future athletes facing similar challenges.

“It’s extremely fortunate that the people who compete in this sport can do so well into their 50s and even 60s. Unlike other sports, mine has the possibility of longevity,” explained Brandt. “Every bit of me hopes to have a career for at least another 30 years. Had I not had this surgery, I don’t think I would have lasted five more years. This surgery has helped me lengthen my career and, for that, I am forever grateful.”

Brandt is now gearing up to compete in the Defender Kentucky Three-Day event in Lexington, KY showcasing the resilience and possibilities that modern medical advancements offer. Dr. Brusovanik will be in attendance to cheer Brandt on.

Dr. Brusovanik concluded with advice for individuals experiencing persistent back pain, emphasizing the importance of seeking a proper diagnosis and targeted treatment. "Back pain is not normal, like any other muscular, skeletal pain, and to treat it, one must begin with a solid diagnosis," he remarked.

Zachary Brandt's successful return to equestrian sports post-surgery stands as a testament to the collaboration between medical expertise and patient determination, heralding a new era of possibilities for athletes facing spinal challenges.

Get your tickets today and see Brandt compete at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event April 25-28th at the Kentucky Horse Park!

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The Hands that Build the Sport: Unsung Eventing Heroes, ft. Karen Yates

By Jennifer Sedlatschek • July 31, 2025

Karen Yates has never been one to follow the beaten path. A lifelong horsewoman and passionate amateur eventer, her story is one of grit, generosity, and an unwavering love for the sport. Though her introduction to eventing may not have been conventional, her contributions to the community have become nothing short of transformational. Raised on Air Force bases without the benefit of structured training, Yates’s entry into the world of eventing was entirely self-taught. “I didn’t have an instructor until I was 32,” she says—by which point she had already spent five years actively competing. Without jumping lessons or formal coaching, she would simply show up at events and learn by doing. Her survival in those early days came down to two things: the boldness she carried into the saddle and the athleticism of the horses she rode. She trained every one of them herself, driven more by determination than direction. Yates’s breakthrough came in 1993 when she competed in her first advanced-level event at the (then) Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. “I never schooled any cross-country at all,” she remembers. “My horses saw the course for the first time when I got there.” The experience was a defining moment. Though daunting, it was emblematic of her entire riding career—rooted in experience, experimentation, and an indomitable spirit. But as her ambitions grew, so did her awareness of the risks involved. She recalls the 1996 Olympic cycle, during which she competed with 45 pounds of lead on her horse—weight that ultimately contributed to a suspensory injury. That setback shifted her perspective. She began stepping back from the upper levels, prioritizing the safety and longevity of both her horses and herself. Even as she turned away from elite competition, her love for the sport never wavered. Instead, it found a new outlet. In 2017, Yates launched a unique initiative at Copper Top Farm: the “horse party.” Aimed at introducing newcomers to eventing, the horse party was her answer to what she saw as a troubling trend. “I was running into young people who had never ridden out of a ring,” she explains. “I thought, this is not a good way for this sport to grow.” Her horse parties were designed to be approachable and fun, offering small jumps and cross-country schooling in a low-pressure environment. It wasn’t just about teaching riders to jump—it was about giving them a taste of what makes eventing so thrilling. The concept took off. Riders of all ages and backgrounds began flocking to Copper Top Farm, not just to ride, but to become part of a welcoming, horse-loving community.

Vanessa Coleman Named Chief Competition and Operating Officer of Equestrian Events, Inc.

June 19, 2025

The Board of Directors of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, is thrilled to announce the naming of Vanessa Coleman to the position of Chief Competition and Operating Officer.

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