When I was a kid and spent summers on farms, everyone wore leather gloves. Even my mother in the garden. People knew things could be picked up from the soil and working around farm animals. People got away from wearing gloves and it's foolish really. So many different bacteria can enter something like a tiny skin abrasion or hangnail. The ounce of prevention......
Also, I know of another eventer in the hospital for this. She's an adult amateur I met while working in Maryland. So fingers crossed and good thoughts to, not just these two, but to all in the hospital for this infection.