A champion equestrian rider who trained horses for the late Queen Elizabeth II died after suffering severe trauma in a fall during a competition, an inquest has been told. Sophie Fouracre, 34, fell from her mare, Rhubarbsfox Britannia, on July 18 at Swalcliffe Equestrian Park in Oxfordshire, sustaining critical injuries. Paramedics treated her at the scene but pronounced her dead. A post-mortem examination concluded she died of 'massive trauma.'

Fouracre, a mother of two and professional eventer, had recently returned from a holiday in Italy before the incident. She was described as a highly skilled rider, trusted with training four of the Queen's horses, and had competed at the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials.

Her death occurred just hours before another rider, 42-year-old Kerry Donoghue, died in a separate equestrian event in Penrith, Cumbria. Donoghue was riding Carneyhaugh Rua when she fell. Emergency services were dispatched via air ambulance, but she could not be saved. Both horses involved in the incidents were reported to be uninjured.

Donoghue had reportedly expressed reservations about continuing in the sport after witnessing a rider being crushed by a horse. She had spoken about these concerns on a podcast the month prior to her death.

Rosie Williams, chief executive of British Eventing, issued a statement extending condolences to the families and friends of both riders. She also expressed gratitude to the event organizers, medical staff, and emergency services for their response in challenging circumstances. Williams noted the profound sadness the loss of two members of the eventing community on the same day would bring to the sport.

Eventing involves dressage, showjumping, and cross-country phases. Both fatal incidents occurred during the cross-country segment of their respective competitions. While deaths in the sport are rare, the notes indicate several fatalities in recent years, including Georgie Campbell in May 2024, Sarah Yorke in August of the previous year, and Iona Sclater in 2019.

An inquest for Sophie Fouracre is scheduled to resume on November 23, 2026.