Sudden death of Rutland event rider Jo Lomas

The Leicestershire equestrian and hunting community is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of event rider Jo Lomas, aged 49.

A natural and accomplished rider with a warm, out-going personality, Mrs Lomas was found collapsed with a severe chest injury in the paddock at her home at Pickwell, Melton Mowbray on Thursday 5 July.

It is believed she had just turned out two horses into the field, and may have been kicked inadvertently. The air ambulance was called, but paramedics confirmed death had taken place. A post mortem was due to take place today (Monday 9 July).

Jo married Mark Lomas QC two years ago and they were both keen members of the Cottesmore hunt.

Having previously represented Britain at Young Rider level, Jo resumed eventing recently and she had qualified for the Grassroots Championships at Badminton Horse Trials next spring.

Brought up in Derbyshire, Jo Lomas (nee Wigglesworth) began eventing in the Meynell and South Staffs Pony Club. She came second on her mare Magenta in the Pony Club eventing championships, before going on to compete in the European Young Rider championships at Burghley in 1983.

Mrs Lomas is survived by her married daughter Harriet Herbert, who is also an event rider, and two sons, Freddie and Jack, from her first marriage to Richard Allen.

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