Young rider who ‘adored her sport’ dies after competition fall
A young rider who “adored her sport” has died after an accident in competition.
The British Horseball Association announced with the “deepest regret” that Victoria Percy had died on 13 April, as a result of injuries she sustained in a fall on 10 April.
Victoria was competing in a league event at Onley Equestrian Centre in Warwickshire when her horse tripped and she fell.
“She was attended to immediately by the on-site medical team until the arrival of the county ambulance when she was transferred to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire,” said a British Equestrian (BEF) spokesman. “The horse is under veterinary treatment for a minor trauma injury.
“Once in hospital, Victoria’s condition did stabilise but then deteriorated rapidly and the difficult decision was made by her family to let her go.”
??Posted by British Horseball Association on Wednesday, April 13, 2022
In a statement, the British Horseball Association said: “On behalf of the sport of horseball, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Victoria’s family at this sad time. The thoughts and prayers of our community are with them.”
Victoria was selected for British horseball squads, including for the under-16 European Championships held at Bishop Burton in 2018. In 2017, she won an end-of-season British Horseball Association award for the most improved under-16 player .
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
BEF chairman Malcolm Wharton said: “Everyone at British Equestrian joins together to offer our sincere condolences to Victoria’s family, friends and the entire horseball community.
“I understand she was a determined young lady, a fierce competitor and adored her sport. Her loss will be felt by many, but they’ll be united by the memories she leaves.”
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
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
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.