Young polo fan killed in riding accident
An 11-year-old boy died on Tuesday morning (15 July) as a result of injuries sustained during a riding accident in the grounds of Kirtlington Park, Oxon.
Mehdi Junior — son of Mehdi Mehra, who is a member of Kirtlington polo club — was out riding when his horse bolted and he fell. He was wearing a riding hat at the time.
Despite efforts from doctors and paramedics, Mehdi Junior never regained consciousness.
“Mehdi Junior was starting to show a great interest in polo and was becoming quite a regular at the club,” said a spokesman from Kirtlington Polo Club.
“He was coming to the club on weekends, running around with the other youngsters with his foot mallet.
“He was very popular and well liked; a polite and well-spoken boy whose life ended so early as a result of an awful accident.”
“Our thoughts and prayers must go out to his parents in this very difficult time.”
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
The funeral for Mehdi Junior took place this morning (17 July).
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.