Event rider Ian Olding killed at Belton Horse Trials

Event rider Ian Olding was killed in a fall at Belton Horse Trials yesterday.

The accident happened in the morning at a narrow table, the middle element of a three-part combination. Riders jumped an angled pheasant feeder on a related distance to the table, then another related distance to a second angled pheasant feeder (fences 12 and 13ab on the advanced course).

Professional rider Ian, 47, was from Ireland, but based in Sandbach, Cheshire. He was riding his own and Sue Kirkpatrick’s Gran-Kiki, a 12-year-old with whom he completed the Tattersalls world cup qualifier, Thirlestane CIC*** and Boekelo CCI*** last year.

The event continued after a delay of about two hours, with fences 12 and 13ab taken out of the course, although a number of riders withdrew. An investigation into the accident is underway.

British Eventing chairman Alex Fox said: “Our sympathies on this sad day are with Ian’s family. Ian was a well-known and much respected rider, who has been competing for many years. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Pippa Roome

H&H magazine editor and eventing editor

Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.