Event rider killed in cross-country fall
Portuguese eventer Francisco Seabra died while competing at the Alegra Rancho Eventing Tour de Utrera in Sevilla, Spain earlier today (14 February 2015).
Francisco, 30, was riding 12-year-old Aferzysta in the CIC2* when they fell at the third element of a water obstacle at fence 10C. The rider was attended by a doctor and team of paramedics at the scene. Aferzysta was not injured.
Francisco made his senior championship debut at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Caen riding Zarthago (pictured top competing at Blenheim in 2012).
Aferzysta had previously been ridden by 18-year-old Bernardo Seabra at one-star level last season, including at the Junior Europeans at Bishop Burton, before Duarte Sebra took on the ride in the CCI2* at Weston Park.
President of the event’s ground jury Alain James said in an official statement on the Alegra Rancho Eventing Tour website: “On behalf of all the sports world, I would like to extend my heartfelt considerations to the family of Mr Francisco Seabra.”
The FEI has confirmed it will conduct an investigation into the accident.
The eventing world has taken to twitter to express their shock and grief at the news.
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My thoughts and prays are with Francisco's family at this dreadful time. #FranciscoSeabraRIPMy thoughts and prays are with Francisco's family at this dreadful time. #FranciscoSeabraRIP— Ben Hobday (@BenHobday) February 14, 2015— Ben Hobday (@BenHobday) February 14, 2015
In completely shock. Such a huge loss to the eventing family and the Barroca family. All my love and thoughts with Francisco's family.In completely shock. Such a huge loss to the eventing family and the Barroca family. All my love and thoughts with Francisco's family.— Althea Bleekman (@ABleekman) February 14, 2015— Althea Bleekman (@ABleekman) February 14, 2015
Staggered to hear the dreadful news of poor Francisco Seabra – a charming guy who will be missed hugely by the whole eventing community.Staggered to hear the dreadful news of poor Francisco Seabra – a charming guy who will be missed hugely by the whole eventing community.— Harry Meade (@Harry_Meade) February 15, 2015— Harry Meade (@Harry_Meade) February 15, 2015
Will raise a glass to Cisco tonight. Top class #eventer on horseback & top man off a horse. We've just lost another one of the good guysWill raise a glass to Cisco tonight. Top class #eventer on horseback & top man off a horse. We've just lost another one of the good guys— Bruce Haskell (@kiwieventer) February 14, 2015— Bruce Haskell (@kiwieventer) February 14, 2015
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.