‘The eventing community is heartbroken’: immense sadness as two riders lost in cross-country accidents
British Eventing has confirmed the tragic loss of two riders as a result of separate cross-country accidents
British Eventing (BE) has confirmed “with immense sadness” that two riders have died as a result of cross-country accidents at different events this weekend.
Sophie Fouracre, 34, was fatally injured while riding Rhubarbsfox Britannia at Swalcliffe Park in Oxfordshire yesterday (18 July). Hours later, Kerry Donoghue died after an accident while riding Carneyhaugh Rua at Penrith in Cumbria.
“At both venues, the event medical teams responded immediately and provided emergency treatment. Despite their best efforts sadly neither rider could be saved,” a BE spokesperson said.
“Both horses were examined by the attending veterinary team and were found to be uninjured.”
All competition was abandoned at both fixtures.
BE chief executive Rosie Williams said: “The British Eventing community is heartbroken.
“On behalf of everyone at British Eventing, I want to extend our deepest condolences to Kerry and Sophie’s families, friends and loved ones at this devastating time. Our thoughts are also with their fellow competitors, organisers, officials, volunteers and everyone who has been affected by these tragic events.
“We are immensely grateful to the organisers, doctors, paramedics, veterinary teams, officials and emergency services at both events for the professionalism, compassion and care they showed in the most difficult of circumstances.
“The loss of two members of our eventing family on the same day is almost beyond words, and we know the sadness of these events will be felt profoundly across the sport for some time to come.”
Kerry was entered in the open novice with Carneyhaugh Rua, a 16-year-old former five-star horse with whom David Doel finished 10th at Luhmühlen Horse Trials in 2021 and completed Pau Horse Trials five-star. They had jumped clear at novice to finish ninth together in April this year.
Sophie, who has completed Defender Burghley Horse Trials three times, was riding a five-year-old mare.
In accordance with BE procedures, “comprehensive reviews of both accidents will now be undertaken”.
“We recognise the impact these tragic events will have across the eventing community,” the BE spokesperson said. “Anyone affected is encouraged to seek support through the British Eventing Support Trust helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 07780 008877.
“We respectfully ask that the privacy of both families is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Riders can also access support from mental health charity Riders Minds by calling 0800 088 2073 or texting 07480 488 103.
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.