Popular horsewoman found dead in a stream

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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