A young event rider has died as a result of injuries sustained in a fall while she was riding out for a racing trainer.

The team at Iain Jardine Racing has confirmed “with great sadness” that 22-year-old Natasha Galpin suffered an accident on the Dumfries-based trainer’s grass gallops on Tuesday (15 January), which also resulted in the loss of a horse.

Natasha was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow for treatment, but died at 5.45pm yesterday (16 January).

“Our main priority throughout has been Natasha and the rest of our staff, who are distraught at the loss of a colleague and friend but have been extremely supportive of each other,” the statement said.

“As a team here, we are doing our best to get through and cope with this devastating situation.

“Natasha was an experienced and valued, full-time member of Team IJR. She was an accomplished event rider and ran her own livery yard. She worked alongside her boyfriend Olyn.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Natasha’s parents and sisters at this very sad time and we hope you will join us in respecting their privacy.

“We are grateful for the help we are receiving from racing’s support network including Racing Welfare and the National Trainers Federation.”

Police Scotland is carrying out enquiries into the circumstances of the accident.

The horse suffered guttural pouch mycosis, a ruptured artery, during work, “resulting in the unavoidable and unpredictable accident”, the trainer’s statement said, adding: “He was given all the necessary care and treatment required and the owners were immediately informed.”

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A rider has died days after she suffered a fall from a horse on the road.

It is understood the 64-year-old woman fell off at Hayne Cross, Lewdown in Okehampton, North Devon, last week (Friday, 14 December).

A spokesman for Devon & Cornwall Police said: “Police were called at around 11:35am with reports of a female rider having been thrown from her horse.

“A woman from Launceston had initially sustained a head injury, but also suffered a medical episode at the scene following her fall.”

The rider was initially treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics, but was then flown to Derriford Hospital by air ambulance for treatment. She was in intensive care over the weekend, but the police have since been informed that the woman has passed away.

A police investigation was launched following the incident and all witnesses have been identified.

“Following enquiries, police were satisfied that there was no third party involvement into this incident and that no further policing action needs to be taken in relation to this matter, at this time,” said the spokesman.

“Next of kin has been informed and a file is to be prepared for the coroner.”

Police also said there was a lorry driving in the area of the accident at the time, but added: “Part of our enquiries were to establish if any vehicles were involved and deemed to be driving irresponsibly – we are currently satisfied that the driver had acted responsibly so at this time has no case to answer.”

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A rider who died while riding in Gloucestershire has been named as Mandy Berry.

Ms Berry, 58, was taking part in a fun ride with her horse Crumlin at Cotswold Farm Park on 8 October.

A statement from the park confirmed the tragic accident.

“It appears that a rider fell from their horse and was subsequently seriously injured,” said a Cotswold Farm Park spokesman.

“The injured rider received assistance from a following rider who was a nurse, our on-site paramedic and the emergency services, all of who were in attendance very quickly.

“Sadly, despite the valiant efforts of all concerned, the injuries were such that the rider could not be saved.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this difficult time.”

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police told H&H officers were called to a field near Guiting Power at 1.15pm on 8 October.

“A 58-year-old woman from Somerset who had been riding a horse as part of an organised event had died at the location after suffering serious chest injuries,” said the police spokesman.

“Police are treating the circumstances of the incident as not suspicious.

“The woman’s next of kin and the coroner have been informed.”

Blackdown Mendip Riding Club paid tribute to its “wonderful member” on its Facebook page.

“She has been a member and supporter of the club for many years,” read the post.

“Our thoughts are with her close friends and family.”

Ms Berry had worked as a personal assistant to showbiz agent John Miles for many years.

Entertainer Timmy Mallet was among those to pay tribute to Ms Berry, describing her as a special friend, agent and inspiration.

“Thank you for being in our lives,” he added.

An inquest into Ms Berry’s death was opened and adjourned at Gloucester Coroner’s Court on 12 October.

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The showjumping world is in shock following the death of a successful Lithuanian rider in a schooling accident.

Rimas Rimkus, 57, died yesterday (4 October) as the result of a fall while riding a nine-year-old Trakehner at Nemunas stud farm in the Vilnius district of Lithuania.

Emergency services attended, but Rimas died before he could be taken to hospital.

The exact cause of death has not been confirmed.

The Lithuanian equestrian federation said the showjumper had dedicated his life to horses.

Most recently he had been focusing on training younger riders.

“The Lithuanian equestrian community lost Rimas Rimkus on 4 October,” said a spokesman from the Lithuanian equestrian federation.

“He died a famous rider, a multiple champion of Lithuania and national and international competition winner.

“This disaster is a big tragedy for both Rimas’ relatives and the entire equestrian community.

“The Lithuanian equestrian federation expresses its sincere condolences to Mr Rimkus’ relatives, friends and the equestrian community members who had the opportunity to know this long-time athlete.”

Rimas’ funeral will take place on Friday (7 October).

Second rider fatality in four days

Rimas is the second rider to lose their life in a fall this month.

Argentinean eventer Santiago Zone was involved in a fatal cross-country accident at a national event last Saturday (1 October).

The 34-year-old was competing at Campo de Mayo horse trials in Buenos Aires when the fall took place.

Santiago, a married father-of-two, was a first lieutenant in the Argentine Army.

He had been competing at one-star level this year, riding two horses owned by the Argentine Army, Remonta Nunhil and Perdigon.

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Riders from across the country are sharing pictures of themselves and their horses in memory of Bonamie Armitage, the nine-year-old girl who suffered fatal injuries while out with a hunt.

Owners are posting photographs on social media with the hashtag #BlueForBonnie, in memory of the schoolgirl, who was kicked by another horse while out with the Cotswold on Saturday (3 April).

The pictures include rider or horse wearing something blue, as this was Bonnie’s favourite colour.

Tracy TMac wrote on Twitter: “Competitive or not, addicted we become, in times of devastation, equestrians form as one.”

Hayley Dawn Whiteley posted: “Nine years old is far too young to leave this world, post a picture of you and your horse in blue.”

Bonnie was riding her Shetland pony Lindsay when she was kicked. She was airlifted to hospital but died later that day.

Jack Lander wrote: “Hope you are riding in the sky”.

The campaign echoes the #RideForOlivia hashtag, for which riders shared their favourite horsey pictures in memory of Olivia Inglis, who died in an eventing accident on 6 March. The pictures were made into a mosaic of Olivia riding, which was given to her family.

Kally Gray wrote on Facebook: “This was so powerful previously on social media. Can we do it again?”

Related articles:

• Riders pay tribute to young eventer in viral #rideforolivia campaign
• NIne-year-old girl dies in hunting accident

A statement released by Bonnie’s family last night read: “Our daughter, Bonnie, was a wonderful person. She was a beautiful, vivacious and compassionate girl, who touched the hearts of everyone who knew her.

“She loved riding, and was never happier than when with her Shetland pony, Lindsay.

“We will miss her more than we can say, and we greatly value the prayers of so many of our friends.”

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A nine-year-old girl, Bonamie (Bonnie) Armitage, was fatally injured when she was kicked by another horse while out with a hunt.

It is thought Bonnie was riding behind a bigger horse that lashed out at her pony, at a farm in Miserden, Gloucestershire, while out with the Cotswold Hunt on Saturday morning (2 April).

Paramedics were called at about 11.25am and the child was airlifted to the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where she later died.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police said: “A nine-year-old girl was taking part in an organised event when she was involved in an incident involving a horse.

“The girl suffered serious injuries and was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital by air ambulance where she sadly died.

“The coroner and the child’s family have been informed. Police are not treating the death as suspicious.”

In a statement released online today, the joint masters of the Cotswold said: “As I am sure most of you will be aware, last Saturday’s meet was overshadowed by the tragic death of a nine year old child who sustained what proved to be fatal injuries in an accident in the hunting field, and slipped away after strenuous efforts by the air ambulance team and paramedics.

“As soon as it was realised that a child was fighting for their life, hounds were taken home immediately and trail hunting cancelled.

“A sense of shock and sadness is with us all as we try to come to terms with the family’s overwhelming loss and grief, and we hope that the strength of our community together with the power of our prayers and the sincerity of our condolences will be of some comfort to the family.

“In truth we find it hard to write this, as a young life lost is very very hard to bear.

“We would also like to thank the emergency services, who did their very best, and all who did what they could.”

Continued below…

‘Bonnie was a wonderful person who touched hearts’

Riders pay tribute to young girl with #BlueForBonnie campaign

A resident of Miserden, who did not want to be named, told the Western Daily Press: “The hunt is very well known and established in the area. The feeling around the village is that it is just a terribly, terribly tragic, sad event.

“They meet in the village and then they go off riding around the fields in the area. They left the village and it was in one of the nearby fields.

“It is a tragic, unfortunate accident. It is just awful when somebody so young is involved.”

The woman added: “The little girl’s grandparents are well known in the area and they are well respected. It is such a tragedy for the family.

“When you take into account the amount of horse riding events happen in the area and how few accidents there are this is just a tragic, tragic event.”

Another local, who did not want to be named, told the Press Association: “She is believed to have been kicked off her horse by another horse. It is an extremely sad incident.”

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Two prominent polo players have died as a result of injuries sustained in falls.

Long-time US player Bob Daniels‘ horse reportedly stumbled and he fell to the ground during a 12-goal game in Wellington on 23 March. He was placed on life support and died three days later (26 March).

Juracy Santos (pictured), a Brazilian Guards Polo Club member, suffered critical head injuries in a fall in 2014 (8 July) during the Phoenician Cup. He also died on 26 March following a long period in a coma.

Juracy’s fall prompted H&H polo reporter Aurora Eastwood to start a campaign to encourage the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) to introduce a compulsory hat safety rule (news, 17 July, 2014).

Although safety hats are on the market, most players opt to wear “low profile” helmets with a single strap rather than a three-point harness. Tests carried out by the HPA in 2008 revealed these popular hats provided very poor safety levels (news, 28 May, 2008).

Aurora told H&H the campaign is progressing well and the HPA has formed a safety committee, chaired by Andrew Barlow, a steward of the HPA, polo player and point-to-point rider.

“I’m on the committee and we have been working hard,” Aurora said. “A helmet rule is coming with details expected to be confirmed in mid-April.

“Juracy was a true professional and real gentleman, both on and off the field. He will be greatly missed by the polo community,” she added.

Joe Meyer, chairman of USPA paid tribute to Bob.

“He was the epitome of a polo gentleman, a caring and loving father, and a long time personal friend,” he said.

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A woman has died in a riding accident in New Zealand.

Lauri McNulty’s horse tripped and fell on her near Levin on Friday afternoon (9 October).

Emergency sevices were called to help the 39-year-old, but she reportedly died at the site of the accident.

She was wearing a helmet at the time.

Lauri’s daughter, Brooke, posted a tribute to her mother on Facebook on Saturday (10 October).

“You were an amazing character and more of a sister than a mum,” she wrote.

“Yesterday you told me you didn’t want to die a cliche death and I guess you didn’t.

“You always brought out the best in me, and you helped reach my goals. You worked hard to get me where I am with these horses and I’m going to keep going, I promised you I’d do that Mini Prix we worked so hard for and I’m a woman of my words.

“I’ll do you proud Mumma.”

Brooke’s post received an outpouring of support.

“Your mum will be watching you and will be proud of whatever you do, she was so proud of your achievements and how you have come in your riding, when you go through start flags she will be with you all the way,” wrote one Facebook user.

“Will be there to support you Brooke. Ride hard for your Mum as she will be watching and riding with you,” wrote another.

Lauri’s mother told press her daughter was an experienced rider who was incredibly safety conscious.

Her death has been reported to the coroner.

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A 24-year-old stunt rider has died after being dragged by a horse during a public acrobatic performance.

Anastasiya Maximova died after her right foot became trapped in the stirrup when she fell from a horse.

She was taking part in an acrobatic show in Russia.

When she fell the horse ran out of control around the arena, while the performer was trapped, unable to free herself from the tack.

She was just one minute into the performance in a display of Cossack horsemanship at the show in Abrau-Durso in Krasnodar.

The rider was dragged into the crowd before the horse, who was not injured, was eventually caught by fellow performers.

Ms Maximova was not wearing a safety helmet and died of “multiple injuries”, details of which have not been released, on the way to hospital.

Talking about her previous performances she said in a prior interview: “It is a naughty, beautiful and bright sport. It gives me shivers.

“It is a show — a spectacle which you present to people. It is a feeling of freedom, when you fully trust your horse.”

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A rider drowned while out hacking, an inquest has found.

The inquest into the death of Sandra Underhill, of Horley, Surrey, was held at Woking Coroner’s Court on 17 August.

Mrs Underhill was found lying unresponsive in a stream by emergency services on 7 March. Her horse was nearby.

Surrey Police were called to an area land in Smallfield on the morning of 7 March following reports that a woman was seen not moving in a stream near the road.

Paramedics were also called and tried to revive the 50-year-old.

She was then taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, and was pronounced dead a short time later.

Assistant coroner for Surrey Dr Karin Englehart recorded an open verdict. The cause of death was found to be drowning.

Mrs Underhill had managed stables at Brickhouse Farm in Godstone since 2009.

She also used to judge and commentate at Oldencraig Equestrian Centre in Lingfield as well as doing the entries for showjumping and children’s shows.

Oldencraig’s owner Ian Winfield told H&H at the time of Mrs Underhill’s death that she was “one of the loveliest ladies” he had ever met.

“She couldn’t do enough for people and was absolutely brilliant,” he said. “Sandra was always extremely supportive to all our clients and competitors.”

A statement on the equestrian centre’s website added that they were “devastated” to hear of the sad and tragic loss of Mrs Underhill.

“She was always very well respected and liked and will be remembered at Oldencraig with fondness. Our condolences go to her family,” it said.

Mrs Underhill was married and had a teenage daughter.

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Dressage rider Samantha Cawkwell has died after being kicked by a horse.

Samantha was found dead in a paddock at her home near Lytham St Annes in Lancashire on Sunday (19 July).

The 31-year-old had suffered a blow to the head and neck, thought to be sustained by a kick from a horse.

Paramedics were called and she was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Lancashire Police have said they were called at around 4.40pm and that her death is not being treated as suspicious.

Her step mother Elaine wrote on Facebook yesterday (Monday 20 July): “Thank you for all your lovely messages and calls. Sadly I’m too heartbrokenly devastated to reply.

“Sam was found dead in the field yesterday afternoon. She had been kicked by the horse sustaining severe head and neck injuries. Our lives will never be the same losing such an angel.”

Sam and her partner Andrew Hackett, also a dressage rider, ran company Ultimate Dressage Horse together.

Four pages of tributes were left on the H&H forum.

Mandi and Hannah wrote: “When I first heard of Sam it was through my dear long time friend Elaine Cawkwell back in the 1990s. Sam was a mere child riding loan ponies from a yard near Blackpool. It wasn’t long before Elaine got Sam a beautiful section D who she competed regularly and was a success in the show ring and dressage arena winning almost everything they entered. Elaine encouraged Sam and when Sam got Charlie a beautiful WB her talents and horsemanship came out in full force.

“I am so proud that I was allowed to know Sam and even though tiny, share a little in her life.

“Reading today’s tributes on Facebook reminded me of her wickedly funny sense of humour, her love for her family and friends and her dedication to her sport and the horses she loved so dearly.”

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A 25-year-old track rider has died in Australia after falling from her horse during work yesterday (Wednesday 1 July).

German-born Friederike Ruhle was involved in a “freak accident” at Caulfield racecourse, south of Melbourne.

Friederike was working for local trainer Byron Cozamanis.

The accident happened at around 5.30am. She was attended by emergency services and taken to Alfred Hospital where she later died.

“It is with great sadness that I express my condolences to Friederike Ruhle’s loved ones on their tragic loss,” said chairman of the Melbourne Racing Club Mike Symons.

“I have enormous respect for the significant contribution that our track riders make in preparing our equine stars for racing and the inherent risks that comes working with horses.

“On behalf of the Committee, staff, and members of the club, our sincere sympathies go out to Friederike’s family, friends, colleagues at Byron Cozamanis Racing, and all of the racing community at Caulfield during this very sad time.”

The club is conducting a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident in conjunction with Victoria Police and Work Safe.

However, it is unclear how she fell.

“You know tens of thousands of horses are worked every day of the year around the world and accidents like this are very minimal,” one trainer told local press.

“But when it happens, it’s tragic and heartbreaking but more so a stark and cold reminder of what dangers lie ahead for those who handle racehorses.”

Lizz Rice a British work rider died in January after suffering serious head injuries in a fall at Caulfield.

She was taken to Alfred Hospital after the accident on 12 January but had medical support withdrawn later that month after she showed no signs of recovery.

Lizz had worked at Oxfordshire-based trainer Lawney Hill’s yard before moving to Australia.

Last October two jockeys, Caitlin Forrest and Carly-Mae Pye, also died due to racecourse accidents in Australia.

Nineteen-year-old apprentice Caitlin died after a pile up during a race on 15 October. A day earlier Carly-Mae died falling during a barrier trial at Queensland racecourse.

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A woman died from a serious head injury after falling from a horse on a beach in Wales, an inquest in Swansea heard last week (Wednesday 29 April).

Geraldine Louise Murray Jones was riding on Llangennith Beach, Swansea, when the accident happened on 27 July last year.

Swansea acting senior coroner Colin Phillips ruled her death as accidental and told the inquest it remained “unanswered” as to why the “experienced rider” fell.

The 51-year-old set off for the beach ride after 8am with her friend, Brioni Sellar, who had previously worked as a riding instructor and owned a holiday home in the area.

Mrs Jones from Fownhope, Hereford, was riding Hector, a horse with a “placid disposition”, while Ms Sellar rode a horse called Billy.

The pair had been cantering when Ms Sellar, who had been riding in front, checked over her shoulder and saw Geraldine had fallen from Hector.

A passing runner put Mrs Jones into the recovery position while Ms Sellar administered first-aid until the coastguard arrived to give assistance, the coroner said.

An air ambulance was called to the beach but Mrs Jones was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:30am.

A report from a pathologist, Dr Maurizio Brotto, gave the cause of Mrs Jones’ death as traumatic brain injury and a skull fracture.

Dr Brotto ruled out any natural cause or health reason that could have triggered Mrs Jones’ fall.

The coroner said all the riding gear had been checked thoroughly beforehand and Mrs Jones had been wearing her usual riding helmet.

“These totally unexpected deaths are extremely difficult for a family to cope with because they come out of nowhere,” he added.

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A rider from Surrey who used to judge and commentate at Oldencraig Equestrian Centre has died while out on a hack.

Sandra Underhill was found lying unresponsive in a stream by emergency services on 7 March. Her horse was nearby.

Ian Winfield, owner of Oldencraig Equestrian Centre in Lingfield, told H&H: “Sandra was one of the loveliest ladies I’ve ever met. She couldn’t do enough for people and was absolutely brilliant.”

Mrs Underhill used to do the entries for the showjumping and children’s shows at Oldencraig and was often in the commentary box.

“Sandra was always extremely supportive to all our clients and competitors,” said Ian Winfield.

Surrey police were called to an area of land in Smallfield at about 10.47am on Saturday 7 March after reports that a woman was spotted not moving in a stream near the road.

Paramedics tried to revive Mrs Underhill at the scene before she was taken in an air ambulance to St George’s Hospital in Tooting.

She was pronounced dead a short time later.

“An investigation surrounding the incident was carried out by detectives from East Surrey CID and the death is currently being treated as unexplained. A file is being prepared and will be passed to the coroner in due course,” said a spokesman for Surrey Police

“The Tandridge Safer Neighbourhood Team will continue to work with the local community following this tragic incident,” she added.

Mrs Underhill was married and had a teenage daughter.

A rider who kept her horse at a yard managed by Mrs Underhill told the local paper: “Sandra was always very courteous and knowledgeable about everything to do with horses.

“She was a very strong character, and very forthright. But she would have helped anyone,” added the rider who preferred not to be named.

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Police are seeking a female dog walker after a rider died following a fall while hacking in Gloucestershire last week (4 March).

Two riders fell in the incident, which happened in Bisley Camp, Stroud, at around midday.

A 52-year-old man was taken to Southmead Hospital, Bristol with serious injuries and died earlier this week (Monday, 9 March)

A female rider broke her collarbone in the fall.

Police are now urging a walker, whose dog was “involved” in the incident, to come forward as they believe she has “crucial information about what caused the riders to fall”.

“She is described as white, in her 50s, 5ft 6ins tall, of average build, with blonde/grey hair which was chin length and appeared naturally curly,” a police spokesman said.

“Her dog was a black and white border collie that was noticeably ‘roughed or fluffed up’, giving the impression it was a home dog, not a working dog.”

It is thought the woman might have been wearing blue and white clothing. It is not clear if she was local or visiting the area.

A police spokesman added that although the dog was “involved” in the accident, it was not necessarily “responsible for the incident” as full details are still to be investigated.

The dog walker or anyone with further information is urged to call 101 or 01452 726920, quoting incident 179.

Dog attacks

After changes to the law, which came into place last May, dog owners can now be prosecuted if their dog causes injury to a rider on public and private land.

It was already an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act for any dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place.

There is concern from within the equestrian industry about the growing number of dog attacks on horses.

In 2013 H&H reported that the number of dog attacks on horses had almost doubled in the past year, according to the British Horse Society.

The organisation urges all horse owners who have suffered an attack to report it at: www.horseaccidents.org.uk

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The death of a woman due to a clipping accident has reminded the equestrian community of the potential dangers of handling horses on the ground.

Mary Hancy, 55, from Norfolk, suffered head and abdominal injuries while clipping her five-year-old homebred earlier this month (11 January).

Her daughter, Kelly, said the accident was a case of “wrong place, wrong time”.

“He was a bit spooked by something and kicked out and caught her,” she added.

Mrs Hancy was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge in a critical condition, but later died of her injuries. An inquest has now been opened into her death.

The news provoked a huge response, with more than 100,000 people reading the story on HorseandHound.co.uk. Many H&H readers shared stories of near misses.

“My boyfriend’s horse reared and caught him on the side of his face and his shoulder while clipping,” said Gemma Lowdon.

“My boy kicked out in the summer while I was putting his boots on,” added another.

“He caught the side of my hat and still sent me clean over. I keep my hat and body protector on now at all times.”

Last year H&H reported on new research from the US which showed that fatal head injuries are as likely to happen on the ground as while riding.

The British Horse Society’s Jo Winfield reiterated that it is important to take all precautions possible when on the ground.

“It is best practice for anyone handling a horse while it is being clipped to wear a hat,” she said.

“The person using the clippers should also wear head protection, but you should be careful that this does not restrict your sight.

“It is often in your peripheral vision that you are most likely to spot if a horse is about to move or kick.”

Ms Winfield added that it was important to ensure the area is free from distractions when clipping a horse.

“We don’t know the full details of what happened in this case, but a door slamming or a dog running past can easily spook a horse,” she said.

Ref: H&H Thursday 29 January, 2015

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The family of Canadian eventer Jordan McDonald, who died while competing at Nunney International Horse Trials in Somerset last summer (14 June), has released a single in his memory.

The 30-year-old had moved from Ontario to the UK with his wife Shandiss in Autumn 2013. The couple — who were based in Leicestershire — had been together since they were teenagers.

Jordan suffered fatal injuries from a rotational fall with Only Me (not pictured) in a novice section at the horse trials.

His sister Shanna Lynn and her husband Damian Marshall have now recorded a version of one of his favourite songs — The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel.

“Jordan, a self-taught guitarist, would ask Shannon to sing ‘The Boxer’ and Shannon would laugh and say ‘I don’t know the words’,” a statement from the family said.

“With the tragic loss of her only brother, she and husband Damian have not only learned the words but have honoured Jordan with a beautiful rendition of this timeless classic.”

The song is now available to download from iTunes and proceeds from the song will go towards “keeping Jordan’s dreams and goals alive through his wife Shandiss and their horses.”

Shandiss will no longer event and has instead decided to concentrate on pure dressage. She is currently working with one of Jordan’s young horses called Alfie.

A syndicate has also been established to give Shandiss’ and Jordan’s friend Leahona Rowland the opportunity to ride his two-star mare Glencento (pictured, top).

”Leahona is a talented, compassionate rider and I know she will able able to showcase Glencento’s abilities, and together they will reach the top level of the sport,” Shandiss said.

“Leahona has always been such a good friend to Jordan and me. I would love nothing more than to see her accomplish her goals in partnership with a horse that is so special. For me this would be like keeping Glencento in the family.”

One of Jordan’s other top horses, Prince Mayo, is now part-owned by Paul Tapner. The combination finished fifth in the CIC2* at the South of England at the end of last season (27 September)

For more information visit: www.rememberingjordanmcdonald.com

Download the song

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A schoolteacher died after being thrown from her horse while she was trying to remount, an inquest at Leeds Crown Court heard yesterday (Wednesday 21 January).

Jayne Goodwin, 44, was returning from an evening ride with friends on 9 January 2014, when her six-year-old Friesian mare, Kali, bolted as she was trying to get back on after closing a gate.

Ms Goodwin was knocked unconscious and was taken by paramedics to Leeds General Infirmary.

She had suffered massive brain injuries in the fall and the decision was taken to switch off her ventilated life support machine on the 28 January last year.

Ms Goodwin was an experienced rider, but coroner David Hinchliff said the mare had developed a habit of bolting while being mounted.

Reading from a statement given by her friend Georgina Adkin, Mr Hinchliff said: “Kali was always flighty, but Jayne was a very experienced rider and felt she had Kali’s behaviour under control.”

Ms Goodwin was heard saying “Oh Christ, she’s going,” before she fell out of sight of the group she was riding with.

Ms Adkin told the inquest: “I wasn’t sure whether Kali had hit her in the head as Jayne got on or whether it was the speed at which she set off that caused her to fall.”

Police initially attended the scene of the accident before concluding that there were no suspicious circumstances. Mr Hinchliff recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Ms Goodwin kept seven horses at stables in Methley as well as owning three dogs and seven cats.

In a statement, her brother, Chris, said Ms Goodwin, had loved animals from an early age.

“The love of her life was Kali. As a child Jayne had always dreamed of a day when she would have a life full of riding and a stable full of horses and she was living that life,” the statement said.

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Tributes have been paid to an “exceptional horse woman” who died from injuries she sustained while clipping her horse.

Mary Hancy, 55, from Norfolk was fatally injured in the accident, which happened on Sunday 11 January.

Her daughter, Kelly, told press that it was case of her being in the “wrong place at the wrong time”.

“We were just clipping at the time and it was the last horse that she had bred,” she said.

“He was only five years old and he was a bit spooked by something and kicked out and caught her.”

East Anglia Air Ambulance (EAAA) confirmed to H&H that it had attended the accident (stock image used).

“Dr Temesvari and critical care paramedic Rod Wells were called to an equestrian accident in a small village near Thetford,” a spokesman said.

“The team arrived at 12.27 to assess, treat and transfer a female in her fifties who had suffered trauma due to an equestrian accident.

“The East of England Ambulance Service was on scene, but called on EAAA after the patient rapidly deteriorated.

“The patient had suffered injury to the head and abdomen.”

Continued below…

Fatal head injuries as likely to happen on the ground as while riding [H&H VIP]

A new study has thrown a spotlight on the question of head protection when handling horses on the ground

The EAAA crew flew Mrs Hancy to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge in a critical condition. She later died of her injuries. An inquest has now been opened into her death.

“She had dedicated her whole life to horses,” her daughter added.

“She was very passionate about breeding Hanoverian and German warmbloods for many years and had helped run a riding school and stud with her very close friends Howard and Valerie Rose.

“She was always a familiar and friendly face at local showjumping competitions.”

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Horse sport has been reminded of the dangers of race-riding after a third jockey has died this week.

Apprentice rider Caitlin Forrest, 19, was flown to Royal Adelaide Hospital in Australia on Murray Bridge Gold Cup Day yesterday (15 October).

Her horse, Colla Voce, broke down and fell, causing a pile up of four horses. Colla Voce was put down.

Libby Hopwood (Barigan Boy), Adrian Patterson (El Prado Gold) and Justin Potter (Ethabaal) also came down in the incident.

Libby was also taken to hospital. The other two riders were unhurt.

The incident has caused shock in the country as Caitlin is the second Australian jockey to die in two days.

On Tuesday (14 October) the Australian racing industry was in mourning after Carly-Mae Pye died after falling during a barrier trial at a Queensland racecourse on Monday (13 October).

The jockey had been in an induced coma in Rockhampton Base Hospital, but today Racing Queensland’s Darren Condon said she was “unable to recover from her injuries”.

Just a day later (Wednesday 15 October) 17-year-old apprentice jockey Juan Saez, from Panama, died after suffering a severe head trauma falling at a racecourse in Indiana, USA.

Juan’s horse, four-year-old Montezuma Express, reportedly clipped heels with the horse ahead of him and fell. The horse was put down.

Paul Struthers, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, has called the deaths “a shock and a tragedy”.

“Jockeys share a unique bond wherever in the world they ply their trade, so the death of a colleague is a shock and a tragedy no matter where it happens,” he said.

“To learn of the death of three talented young jockeys in such a short space of time is both shocking and heart-breaking beyond words.

“The thoughts and prayers of the all of the PJA’s members and staff are with the family, friends and colleagues of Carly-Mae, Juan and Caitlin.”

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A 26-year-old Australian jockey has died after falling during training at a Queensland racetrack.

Carly-Mae Pye died today (Tuesday, 14 October) after sustaining head and chest injuries when her mount fell at Callaghan Park yesterday (Monday 13 October).

The jockey had been in an induced coma in Rockhampton Base Hospital, but today Racing Queensland’s Darren Condon said she was “unable to recover from her injuries”.

In a statement Mr Condon added: “Carly-Mae was a true champion of our sport, who will be remembered as a brilliant horsewoman.

“Racing Queensland offers its sincerest condolences to Carly-Mae’s family and partner Tim Cook.

“The racing community, particularly in Rockhampton, is in mourning this evening and Racing Queensland will continue to offer its support during this difficult time.”

Carly-Mae started race-riding in 2006 and had won around 200 races. In 2007 she took the central Queensland apprentice jockeys title.

She had been taking part in a barrier trial when her mount reportedly broke both of its front legs and rolled on her.

The horse was put down.

Rockhampton councillor Ellen Smith told local press: “I’ve watched her ride over the years, she was a champion equestrian, she’s done show riding, pony club — she’s done everything.

“And then she became a jockey. She was a very successful jockey, a beautiful hands-and-heels rider and it’s really tragic — a real freak accident.”

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An amateur rider has been killed in a rotational fall in Ireland.

Father-of-2 Cathal O’Malley, 45, was competing in a hunter trials in Tullamore, Co Offaly, on Sunday (13 April) when his horse somersaulted over a log and landed on him.

Order of Malta first aiders attended to him within a minute. He was taken to Tullamore’s Midland Regional Hospital 5mins away where he was pronounced dead.

Mr O’Malley, who ran a restaurant, is reported to have been an experienced rider who hunted regularly with the Galway Blazers. He had already taken part in an earlier class that day. More than 150 riders competed at the hunter trials on Sunday.

Colm O’Brennan, secretary of the Brosna Foxhounds that ran the event, told local papers that the simple log fence had been there for more than a decade, and that the horse appeared to “clip it” before somersaulting.

Mr O’Malley leaves a wife, Fiona King, and two sons, Darragh, 4, and 2-week-old Gavan.

A spokesperson for Horse Sport Ireland said: “This was a terrible tragedy to happen at a hunter trials, and we extend our sincerest condolences to Cathal’s family and friends.”

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The Belgian Equestrian Federation has confirmed to H&H that showjumper Nick Motmans died this morning (Thursday 5 December).

He was training in Lanklaar, Belgium, on Monday (2 December) when he fell from his horse.

The 27-year-old rider suffered a head injury and was taken to hospital in Genk. He underwent surgery and was placed into a coma.

The Belgian Equestrian Federation said they had lost a talented young rider with a bright future. Riders will be wearing a “sign of mourning” at competitions this weekend.

Nick was a Derby speciallist and a regular visitor to the UK, where he is a familiar face at Hickstead. This summer he finished 6th in the Stoner Jewellers Vase with Ti Amo.

He finished 3rd in the Hickstead Derby in 2012 and 3rd in the Flanders Derby at Lummen in 2011, riding Aladdin St Ghyvan.

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A 45-year-old Australian female jockey has died from head injuries sustained in fall during a race at the Sunshine Coast meeting on Saturday (8 November).

Desiree Gill was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died the next day.

She had spent more than 30 years in the industry and leaves behind her husband Barry Gill and two sons, aged 21 and 19.

Mrs Gill had won the South-East Queensland Country premiership for the past 2 years. She recently celebrated 4 winners from 5 races at Bundaberg’s Melbourne Cup day meeting (5 November).

Alongside her career as a jockey, she was also passionate about mentoring young riders.

“Desiree was widely admired and loved for her passion for the racing industry and in particular, her commitment to developing the next generation of jockeys,” Racing Queensland said in a statement.

“Desiree enjoyed a distinguished riding career spanning 30 years which included a period of employment with Racing Queensland mentoring and educating apprentice jockeys.”

Her death comes just 3 months after Simone Montgomerie was killed during the final day of the Darwin’s Cup Carnival in Australia.

Desiree’s husband, who is a trainer, was at the racecourse and saw his wife’s fall.

“All the time we spent together, I really believe she prepared me for a moment like this,” Mr Gill told Australian media.

“I was under so many instructions if different things were to happen to her.

“It’s not something we spoke about all the time, but maybe once every 5 or 6 months over a quiet drink.

“She was adamant with what she wanted to happen, and she didn’t want to be left alive with no quality of life. When Simone Montgomerie [passed], that was the last time we had that discussion.”

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A young rider who “lived for” eventing has died, following a freak fall out hacking near her home in Suffolk.

Lucinda Woolley, 16, known as Lucy, suffered serious injuries when her horse, Alfie, was spooked by a tractor last Wednesday (7 August).

She was flown to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge but, despite 3hr of surgery, died from her injuries the next day.

Lucy, a British Eventing (BE) member, had competed up to open novice under-18 level. She was a member of the Essex and Suffolk Hunt branch of the Pony Club and had attended a recent eventing camp at Milton Keynes.

“Although she was very diligent with her schoolwork, her passion was riding,” said Lucy’s mother Julia.

“Other people who were more expert than us were kind enough to say she was a very talented rider.

“She loved her riding, but was uncertain about it as a career.”

Mrs Woolley described the accident as “a fluke”.

She said: “On Wednesday morning she was doing what she did every day — have breakfast, go out on a laid-back hack and then get on with the rest of her day.

“They had only got 10min into their hack when Alfie got spooked by the vehicle — it was a fluke.

“The chap who was driving the tractor is a personal friend. Fortunately they knew her and the horse. They were the ones who called the ambulance.”

Lucy was due to start studying for her A Levels at Ipswich School in September.

BE’s chief executive, Mike Etherington-Smith said he was “deeply saddened” to hear about Lucy’s “tragic death”.

“Despite being quite a new BE member, she had already proven to be an accomplished young horsewoman with very consistent eventing form.

He added: “The eventing community is a close-knit family and will be deeply shaken by her loss.

“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this terribly sad time.”

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A 26-year old female jockey has been killed during the final day of the Darwin’s Cup Carnival in Australia.

Simone Montgomerie died after suffering fatal injuries in a fall at Fannie Bay racecourse, Darwin today (5 August).

The mother of 1 was riding in the 6th race but fell 100m from the finish.

Simone, whose father Peter Montgomerie trained 2005 Melbourne Cup runner-up On A Jeune, received treatment on the track and was rushed to Royal Darwin Hospital but died shortly afterwards.

Darwin Turf Club has cancelled the rest of the Cup Carnival, including the Darwin Cup, which was due to run later in the afternoon.

A statement from Brett Dixon, chairman of Darwin Turf Club, said: “Simone fell and sustained traumatic injuries. She was transported from the racetrack to Royal Darwin Hospital with St John Ambulance.

“Attending to her were two doctors assisted by paramedics. It is with great regret that we were advised by the family that Simone passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital.

“There will be a full investigation, which has already been initiated by the stewards. The Darwin Turf Club along with the entire industry offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of Ms Montgomerie.”

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American amateur event rider Christine Brown was killed last Wednesday (10 July) while training at home in Kentucky.

Christine, 44, from Versailles, near Lexington — home of the Rolex Horse Trials — fell while jumping her five-year-old Shire X Hackney, Sammy alone at home.

She severed her spinal column at the C5 vertebrae in her neck upon impact.

A lifelong equestrian and accomplished eventer, Christine, was buried in the purple cross-country colours that she wore aboard her mare, Rivella, with whom she competed to intermediate level.

The Eventing Nation website posted a tribute to Christine, describing her lifelong association with horses.

“Christine served the local eventing community with gusto,” it read. “She was USEA [United States Eventing Association] chairman of Area VIII for several years.

“While she did not have children of her own, Christine spent countless hours trailering aspiring young eventers to competitions, single-handedly helping them accomplish their riding dreams and goals.”

Christine’s close friend, Kathleen Sullivan, told Eventing Nation: “There are probably 20 kids in Area VIII that owe where they are today to Christine stepping up and being like their Mom. She was one of those people who was always there when you needed her.”

An estimated crowd of 1,000 attended the rider’s wake on 13 July.

Her friends and family are hoping to raise $10,000 in order to dedicate a portion of a new horse path at the Kentucky Horse Park — site of the 2010 World Equestrian Games — in her memory.

“Her section will be marked with a special plaque and will overlook part of the cross-country course,” said Kathleen Sullivan.

“This will benefit everyone who ever rides at Rolex in the future, as the Dedicated Horse Path will have good footing that gives the horses and riders a safe way to go between every barn and arena,” she added.

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A rider has been killed in a fall after her horse bolted while hacking past farm vehicles on a lane in South Yorkshire on Sunday 26 May.

Fifty-five-year-old Christine Beverly Francis, from Wentworth near Rotherham, suffered a head injury and died at the scene, according to police.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire police said: “There were several agricultural vehicles travelling along Cortworth Lane in the opposite direction towards Wentworth when the horse bolted and dislodged the woman rider. [She] fell to the ground and sustained a fatal head injury.”

Police are appealing for witnesses, and are trying to identify the drivers of the agricultural vehicles.

Anyone with information, please call South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 381 of 26 May.

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A teenage girl who was injured in a fall while competing at the weekend (Sunday, 27 January) has died in hospital.

Ella Pallister, who was 17, fell from her horse in the warm-up arena at a British Showjumping (BS) affiliated show at Kingston Maurward, Dorset, at about 12pm on Sunday.

She was taken to hospital by air ambulance, but died yesterday (Wednesday, 30 January).

BS and Kingston Maurward have extended their condolences to her family.

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Suggestions that endurance riders should wear eventing-style medical armbands are being considered by the FEI and Endurance GB (EGB) after the death of a Japanese rider following a fall at Euston Park.

Mitsuko Masui, 73, was competing in the CEI*** 160km ride at the Norfolk venue on 11 July when she was found on the ground by British rider Kirsty Wiscombe (report, 22 July).

The rider was taken to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge by air ambulance, where she died the next day. Her death seems to have been due to a medical condition rather than a riding accident.

Ms Masui’s death has prompted Euston Park president James MacEwan to urge EGB and the FEI to adopt medical cards for competitors.

“Endurance has just as high a risk assessment as eventing because of the vast distances in the saddle involved,” he said.

“And, from an organiser’s point of view, if you come across a rider who is unconscious, or possibly does not speak English, it is very helpful for them to be carrying a card that says who they are.”

The eventing medical armband includes the rider’s name, address, age and contact number, as well as a medical history.

Mr MacEwan said he offered medical armbands to riders at Euston Park on 25 July, but he wants it to be made obligatory.

A spokesman for EGB said it would review health and safety measures, but believes the risk to riders is low.

She said: “In addition to stewards and medical expertise on site, riders are also required to wear a tag that gives an emergency number for the event in which they are competing.

“We will await the coroner’s report to see if anything can be learned from the incident at Euston Park.”

An FEI spokesman said: “The FEI takes the safety of its riders extremely seriously and will consider whether mandatory armbands for riders are advisable.”

British rider Christine Yeoman wore an armband at Weston Park, but said she lost it on the 100-mile ride.

“I think they are a good idea but they need to be a bit more sturdy for endurance — you can be in the saddle for eight or nine hours,” she told H&H.

And Kirsty Wiscombe said she was also happy to wear an armband.

Norfolk coroner William Armstrong has opened and adjourned an inquest into Ms Masui’s death.

She was a vet and a highly experienced competitor who had visited Europe and the United Arab Emirates for endurance rides since 2003.

She represented Japan at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, and completed the 2009 120km CEI** CRON Endurance Race in Spain.

EGB chairman Jo Claridge added: “Mitsuko was an inspiration to riders worldwide for competing at such an advanced level at her age.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (5 August, ’10)

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PROPOSALS to make American eventing safer have been met with concern from the big names in British and world eventing.

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) sent an open letter to members suggesting five new rules after two horses died and rider Laine Ashker was critically injured at Rolex Kentucky three-day event (report,1 May).

The most contentious of the rules said that riders and horses should be suspended from competition for up to six months and lose their qualification at the level in which they were competing, following a rotational fall.

It has since been amended to say that ground juries should have the option of banning riders for up to three months following a horse fall if they believe it was caused by dangerous riding.

Horse and rider would be eliminated from the competiton after a rider fall and suspended for a month for a horse fall at a jump.

USEF president David O’Connor said: “The suspension is meant to be a deterrent, to reduce dangerous riding.

“There are two extremes — the professional riders make our courses look easy, beautiful and fun to watch and then you get the less competent guys doing it by aggression or being too slow. They’re affecting the sport.”

USEF riders’ rep Bobby Costello said riders support the rules in principle, but want a review system.

New Zealand rider and International Equestrian Federation (FEI) eventing safety sub-committee member Andrew Nicholson feels the proposals could increase the number of falls.

“If riders are concerned about getting suspended they are going to ride cautiously. You should approach the cross-country positively, not dangerously, otherwise you will have accidents,” he said.

British Eventing director of sport Mike Etherington-Smith, who designed the Kentucky course, said he sympathised with the Americans’ position, but felt the rules were “over the top”.

Referring to red flags brought in by the FEI last year that allow ground juries to bring dangerous riders to a halt (news, 30 August 2007), he said: “Rather than banning riders we need to get officials to use the existing rules to stop riders on the course if they are riding dangerously. I think the Americans need to take a deep breath before implementing any new rules.”

But he defended a nation’s right to make rules contrary to those of the FEI.

Mark Phillips, who coaches the US eventing team, believes the USEF should think more about why accidents happen as opposed to what to do afterwards.

He added: “A country should be careful about going off at a tangent before the equestrian community worldwide has properly considered the implications of a proposed rule change.”

The suggested rules will be discussed further in a phone conference by the US Eventing Authority and USEF and could be enacted on an emergency basis.

Meanwhile, a safety summit is scheduled in Lexington next month to harvest ideas from the eventing community.

The FEI did not wish to comment on the proposed rule changes.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (8 May, ’08)

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Senior figures in eventing have stressed the need for improved rider training and better data gathering in the quest to reduce rider deaths.

The boom in international eventing has led to the number of events and competitors doubling in the past five years and has resulted in dangerous numbers of inexperienced riders taking part, says top course-designer Giuseppe Della Chiesa.

Speaking to H&H as the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) published its eventing safety statistics for 2007 this week, Mr Della Chiesa stressed the need to educate riders and trainers if the number of accidents is to drop.

The figures show that for every 1,000 riders taking part in international eventing last year, three suffered a serious or fatal injury — but the number of falls is dropping overall.

In 2002, after the 1999 season when there were five deaths in UK horse trials, the FEI started gathering information at international (but not national) events worldwide.

“The most important factor in eventing safety is the rider,” said Mr Della Chiesa. “Many people in the sport today do not have a history of cross-country horsemanship. Someone riding in an unsafe manner could have a fall at a solid fence on flat ground.

“We must educate, but the FEI cannot do this alone. National federations must increase the training of riders and their trainers.”

The number of entrants in FEI eventing competitions has risen from 6,583 to 13,252, and the number of classes from 263 to 407 since 2002.

Last year the 60 rotational or somersault falls were recorded in international eventing the highest number since records began. There were 51 in 2006.

And there were two deaths in international eventing, both from rotational falls.

A quarter of the riders involved in these falls will be severely injured or will die, according to FEI figures.

Mike Tucker, FEI eventing safety sub-committee member, said: “I don’t want to prejudge the results of the safety review [announced last year, news, 17 May], but we have many more people taking part in pre-novice competition whose coaching and training is not always appropriate.

At an eventing safety forum in Copenhagen (news, 24 January), experts concluded that training, research into fence design and improving communications between the FEI and national federations were the key ways to safety improvement within the sport.

Their suggestions were put to the FEI bureau on 10 April and safety sub-committee member and riders’ FEI representative Carl Bouckaert said: “The FEI president [Princess Haya] and bureau members have made it clear that anything which would improve safety will be done.”

At the Copenhagen forum in January, it was decided that national data should be included in the FEI’s annual accident report as soon as practically possible. National federations were asked to feed back information to the FEI.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (24 April, ’08)

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A Yorkshire woman suffered fractured ribs and internal bleeding which lead to her death when she fell from a horse, an inquest was told.

Georgia Hill, 31, of Burley-in-Wharfdale was riding at a livery stables in Guisley where she kept her horse on 16 October last year when she lost her stirrup and fell heavily.

Miss Hill was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary but died that night.

She had not been wearing a hat at the time of the accident but coroner David Hinchliff said as Miss Hill did not suffer a head injury that could be ruled out as having contributed to her death.

He recorded a verdict of accidental death at the inquest on 22 April.

“My conclusion has to be that this was the most tragic of accidents,” he added.

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Organisers of the Ballindenisk one-day event in Co Cork Ireland have launched an investigation after the death of Karen Rodgers at the event on Sunday.

The British-born 41-year-old was killed in a fall while taking part in the CNC** competition with her horse Kilcoltrim Brigade.

The accident took place at the penultimate fence on the course, the second water complex.

Peter Fell, organiser of the event said: “We are deeply shocked by this accident — nothing like this has ever happened here before.

“Our sympathies go out to her family. It’s a very difficult time for everybody.”

Eventing Ireland described Ms Rodgers as “an experienced and successful rider”, who had been involved in equestrian sport in Ireland for 10 years.

Eventing Ireland chairman John Wright said: “Karen was a well-known and popular figure in equestrian circles, and we wish to extend our profound and heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends.”

Ms Rodger’s death is one of three in British and Irish eventing over the past two years, following that of Jo-Anne Williams in April 2007 at Sapey and Sherelle Duke in August 2006 at Brockenhurst.

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A 62-year-old Austrian rider, Franz Graf, has died at a national event at Aspang, near Vienna, Austria.

Franz and his horse, Comte Cascaduet, fell during the cross-country phase of the competition on Sunday, 6 April and Mr Graf was crushed.

Secretary-general of the Austrian Federation, Ing Franz Kager, said: “We are shocked by this deeply tragic accident. Franz was a very experienced event rider.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (17 April, ’08)

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The US Eventing Association (USEA) is this month drafting proposed new rules in an attempt to slow speeds and move away from technical cross-country courses, following a meeting that examined safety in the sport.

The USEA’s strategic planning session on 21-22 March came six days after Olympic team medallist Darren Chiacchia was critically injured in a rotational fall and two horses died of pulmonary haemorrhage at the Red Hills Horse Trials in Florida.

“There are several overlapping things happening here,” explained USEA president Kevin Baumgardner, who said he had received an “outpouring” of emails and phone calls from members after Red Hills.

“People are saying it’s time to move away from courses with complexes of technical fences, taken at show jumping speeds, to a more rhythmic, balanced test that still challenges, but has horses galloping cross-country.”

At the March meeting, the USEA’s board of governors resolved to adopt six guiding principles, among them to identify “appropriate” course-design and speed for each level, and emphasise the “success of horse and rider, not a philosophy of elimination”.

Some believe the sport is paying more attention to the advanced competitors than to the numerous grassroots riders.

Former USEA president Denny Emerson believes course-designers have tried to make up for the absence of roads and tracks and steeplechase in the short format by making the routes more technical.

He said: “While top riders can handle such routes, the effect of that kind of course-design is hitting weekend warriors and kids at training and prelim, and even novice level.”

The USEA’s eventing standards task force is charged with reporting rule change proposals to the US Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) eventing technical committee on 23 April. If approved, some changes could be adopted this summer and take effect immediately, while others could start in the 2009 season.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (3 April, ’08)

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Engineers are to monitor special fences at 15 British Eventing (BE) competitions as part of research into how to make the sport safer.

Competitive Measure, a sports engineering consultancy, has been tasked by BE to set up a temporary fence, equipped with four sensors in the top rail and a camera, at novice and intermediate events this summer.

These will measure the direction and strength of force exerted if and when the fence is hit.

The project is being financed by Goodyear as part of an ongoing safety partnership with BE.

The collaboration has included the funding of computer software for technical advisers at events allowing them to send data about accidents straight to the BE database.

“Because of the number of fatalities in 1999 [five in the UK], BE is far ahead of the game compared with the other national federations,” said Jonathon Clissold, former BE sport and technical adviser, who is managing the project.

“It will be a portable ascending fence, which can stand alone or be used as part of a combination, and it’s up to them [the course-designers] where they put it on the course, but we hope it will be jumped as many times as possible.

“There is a 30% chance of injury from a rotational fall [according to the International Equestrian Federation’s 2006 eventing safety figures], so if some of the horses hit the fence we can measure the forces which lead to rotation.”

The fence will be at a number of BE events, including Belton, Brigstock and Felpertham.

The team also has permission to fit sensors to existing fences at Gatcombe and Burghley.

The information will be used by the FEI and BE to inform research into safer cross-country fences.

The current BE safety measure, the frangible pin, was introduced in 2002 after investigation by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) and the British Horse Trials Association (as BE was then called).

But a number of innovations, including breakable Lego-like jumps and cardboard rails that break on impact, have been suggested by other equestrian federations.

At the recent FEI eventing safety forum in Denmark, experts said more research must be done into the forces exerted by falling horses before radically different fence construction can be considered.

David O’Connor, chairman of the FEI’s Eventing Safety Sub Committee, said: “We have information relating to vertical impact on jumps but the experts need to look into what happens where there is horizontal impact and that’s where this research comes in.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (14 February, ’08)

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A 12-year-old girl was killed on Sunday during a novice indoor cross-country competition at Milton Keynes Eventing Centre.

Shannon Bloomfield (pictured right competing in the 2’6″ class) was a member of the Whaddon Chase Pony Club, and was the penultimate competitor in the last class — the 2ft9in open novice — at Milton Keynes on Sunday. She had won the previous class, over 2ft 6in solid jumps.

“I didn’t see the accident personally, but I understand it was a rotational fall,” said organiser Fiona Gifkins. “Shannon was wearing all the proper kit, and we had a paramedic on site and a doctor here by chance. But she was pronounced dead on arrival at Milton Keynes General Hospital.”

Mrs Gifkins added: “Our hearts go out to Shannon’s parents, Wendy and Darren Bloomfield.”

The centre has cancelled next weekend’s shows as a mark of respect.

www.mkec.co.uk

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The best ways to improve eventing safety are by educating riders and trainers, extending research into breakable fences and improving communications between national federations and the sport’s international governing body. So decided eventing experts representing 22 nations at an eventing safety forum, held in Copenhagen on Saturday (19 January).

There have been 11 fatal accidents in eventing since December 2006 — seven at national rather than international competitions.

“Some very important subjects were discussed,” said forum leader David O’Connor, chairman of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) eventing safety sub-committee.

Delegates settled on several suggestions to put to the FEI. These included research into breakable jumps, such as the Dutch federation’s cardboard poles and jumps made of Lego-like pieces that break apart on impact.

But course-designer Mark Phillips and British team trainer Yogi Breisner believe these could encourage riders to take risks and horses to “lose respect” for fences, and would change the character of the sport unless there was a penalty for breaking them.

Delegates acknowledged that accident information from national federations was not always reported back to the FEI and recommended that an officer in each country keeps a register of falls.

Chris Bartle, Germany’s eventing team trainer, suggested riders be given instruction in how to “tuck and roll” as they fall, to reduce the chance of injury, and suggested that some body protectors could be restricting the rider’s ability to take this evasive action.

Eric Smiley of the Irish federation advocated the banning of extreme bits at one-star and two-star competitions, saying riders dominating their horses in this way impeded the animals’ natural jumping abilities across country.

Delegates also proposed that yellow on-course warning flags be scrapped (used to warn a rider that the ground jury is concerned about the way they are riding) and red flags — meaning a rider must stop — be used straight away.

The recommendations of the group will be put forward to the FEI bureau in April.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (24 January, ’08)

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