Gov. Jim Pillen (R-NE) will undergo a rib fixation procedure on Thursday after a horse bucked him off on Sunday. Pillen, 68, will need to be under anesthesia while doctors install metal plates to stabilize his seven broken ribs.

First-term Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen chose to have surgery Wednesday to repair his broken ribs at the Nebraska Medical Center. The decision will keep Pillen, 68, in the hospital at least “several more days for recovery and observation” after he was seriously injured Sunday when a new horse he was riding with family

The procedure was a success and Gov. Pillen was returned to the step-down unit where he will continue his recovery from the horse-riding accident that occurred Sunday," his office said.

The governor's office said Wednesday that Pillen chose to have a rib fixation procedure, in which doctors will use metal plates to stabilize his seven broken ribs.