Man dies following fall at Wellington showjumping festival

A veteran showjumper has died following a fall at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

Donald V. Little died yesterday (29 February) from injuries sustained on 26 February when his horse fell jumping a fence during the Masters Classic in the International Arena.

It is thought that Mr Little – who was in his late 70s – injured his neck after his horse, Superiur, stumbled at a jump.

Mr Little, of Ipswich, Massachusetts, had come third in the Masters Jumper 50 & older veterans’ class the day before on his horse Mr Nightime. He was a longtime competitor at Wellington.

His wife of 57 years, Judy, said: “I will miss him so much.

“Donald died doing what he loved. He was loved and respected by so many people, including his fellow competitors and team members in polo, hunting, showjumping and racing as well as other aspects of his life.”

Mr Little, a senior vice president of investment bank UBS, was master of the Myopia Hunt in Massachusetts and a former captain of the Myopia polo club.

The Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington lasts for three months and includes lower level classes as well as top-level showjumping.

British showjumpers – including Nick Skelton and Ben Maher – have won a number of classes.

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