Two horse riders have died within hours of each other at separate competitions in Great Britain, British Eventing announced Saturday. The incidents occurred during the cross-country phase of events in Oxfordshire and Cumbria.
Sophie Fouracre, 34, sustained fatal injuries while riding Rhubarbsfox Brittania at Swalcliffe Park in Oxfordshire. Shortly afterward, 42-year-old Kerry Donoghue died while riding Carneyhaugh Rua at an event in Penrith, Cumbria. Emergency medical personnel provided treatment at both venues, and an air ambulance was dispatched to the Cumbria event, but neither rider could be saved.
In a statement, British Eventing chief executive Rosie Williams expressed heartbreak over the events. "On behalf of everyone at British Eventing, I want to extend our deepest condolences to Kerry and Sophie's families, friends and loved ones at this devastating time," Williams said. "Our thoughts are also with their fellow competitors, organisers, officials, volunteers and everyone who has been affected by these tragic events."
Both horses involved were examined and found to be uninjured. Reviews of both accidents are underway. The organizers, doctors, paramedics, veterinary teams, officials, and emergency services at both events were thanked for their professionalism and compassion.
Fellow riders reacted to the news online with shock and sadness, with many describing the victims as wonderful people who will be missed.
British Eventing initially reported the events as "serious incidents" and confirmed that both competitions were abandoned for the weekend.
The mental health charity Riders Minds offered immediate support to members of the eventing community following the news.
While deaths are rare in the sport of eventing, which comprises dressage, showjumping, and cross-country, there have been several fatal accidents in recent years. In May 2024, Georgie Campbell died at the Bicton International Horse Trials. In August of the previous year, Sarah Yorke suffered a fatal accident during the cross-country phase of the Aston-le-Walls horse trials. In 2019, 15-year-old Iona Sclater died during a training session.