Eventing in shock as rider found dead

The eventing and hunting community has been saddened by the sudden death of event rider Dr Vanessa Lloyd-Davies, 44, who was found dead at her home in Leicestershire on 16 February. An inquest is to be held.

Vanessa brought on her own Don Giovanni II from pre-novice to go clear across country at Burghley in 2002 and 2003. She completed Badminton last year before lending the ride to Matthew Wright after sustaining an injury.

Meanwhile, she pursued a successful career as a doctor in the Royal Army Medical Corps — during which she was awarded a military MBE for work in Bosnia — and as civilian medical officer to the King’s Troop RHA. She also often served as a horse trials course doctor.

Since her teens, Vanessa had hunted with the Fernie, Quorn and Pytchley — with the same enthusiasm she brought to all her endeavours. She was married in1988 to Army surgeon Andrew Jacks, but they divorced last month. Her family was concerned that she had lately been suffering from an acute depressive illness.

Horse & Hound will publish a full obituary in a future issue.