Second rider killed in fatal fall within a week
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.
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“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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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.