NEED TO KNOW
Mark Wahlberg says that horseback riding is a “dangerous sport” following his daughter Grace’s injury
The Family Plan 2 actor’s daughter Grace, 15, was rushed to the hospital after an equestrian competition with a broken collarbone
Wahlberg is a father to four children: Grace, Brendan, 17, Michael, 19, and Ella, 22
Mark Wahlberg is calling horseback riding a “dangerous sport” following his daughter’s injury.
During an appearance on Today, The Family Plan 2 actor, 54, opened up about how his daughter Grace, 15, is doing after her injury. The teen was rushed to the hospital with a broken collarbone after getting hurt during an equestrian competition.
“She’s good,” Mark said. “She’s just angry that she’s not allowed to be back on the horse yet. She does have to take the time to recover. She broke her collarbone. She was rushed off to the hospital in an ambulance.
Mark went on to call horseback riding “the most dangerous, nerve-wracking sport that I’ve ever watched and witnessed,” conceding, “But she loves it.”
He also praised Grace for being “so dedicated” to the sport. “She has the discipline at 15 that it took me into my 40s to getting. You think I get up early and do things to prepare? I mean, she’s a machine,” he said. “She was just worried that we would be too concerned because of the dangers that we wouldn’t let her ride again, but she’s passionate about it so we have to let her pursue that.”
While chatting with Access Hollywood for his upcoming movie on Nov. 12, the actor and dad of four, 54, gave his first update on his daughter Grace. Mark, who shares his daughter with wife Rhea Durham, praised his daughter for her passion and dedication to the sport, despite how “terrifying” and “dangerous” it can be.
“She’s doing great. Thank you for asking,” he told the outlet. “It was terrifying, you know. It’s a very, very dangerous sport, but she’s so passionate about it.”
“All she wanted to do is get back on that horse, no pun intended,” he added. “[She was] just chomping at the bit and, you know, worried that we would deem the sport too dangerous, but she is so passionate [and] so dedicated.”
The doting dad also expressed his gratitude to everyone who wished her a speedy recovery. “It’s very, very scary, and I thank everybody for their support and well wishes.”
Grace Wahlberg/Instagram
Grace Wahlberg
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
On Sunday, Nov. 3, the teen shared a carousel of Instagram photos, beginning with a picture of herself in a hospital bed and wearing a sling. In other images, Grace could be seen on horseback and walking in an equestrian uniform. She also included an older photo of Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans seemingly celebrating a victory.
“No pressure we will be back,” Grace captioned the post.
Mark commented with praying, broken heart and crying emojis. Rhea also commented under the post, writing, “No doubt kid.”
In addition to Grace, the Oscar-nominated actor and his wife share three other children: Brendan, 17, Michael, 19, and Ella, 22. While raising four kids is “not easy,” Mark often turns to his faith “for the strength and guidance” to be the best parent he can be.
“I want to give my kids the world, but I also want them to appreciate everything, to succeed, to be good people, to enjoy life,” Mark has said about his parenting philosophy. “This is my most important role. If I fail at this, I fail at everything.”
Read the original article on People