Photo tweeted by @HorseHour today.
While our Social Media roundup posts are generally light-hearted and include as many fun aspects as possible, on a day like today, it seems inappropriate. Today, many of us heard the news of the three terrible fatalities through Facebook or Twitter, and following that, used them to send our thoughts, prayers, and condolences out to those most deeply affected by the tragedies. While the sadness that we all feel cannot be denied, there is some small comfort to be found in the community of Eventing enthusiasts, who, no matter where they were today, banded together and sent healing thoughts into the world. No matter what your connections to Benjamin Winter, Jordan McDonald or Liberal may be, your empathy and love is greatly appreciated from all corners of the world.
It was nearly impossible to go online today without seeing outpourings of love, support and sympathy from riders and horse lovers everywhere.
As a mark of respect following today’s tragic accident we will be having a 1 minute silence at 11am in the main arena.
— NunneyHorseTrials (@nunneyhorse) June 14, 2014
There will be a memorial service for Ben at 11:00 CET in the main arena @luhmuehlen2014 — German Eventing (@luhmuehlen2014) June 14, 2014
Life is a gift- so don’t waste a second. Enjoy every minute and cherish the highs- we are lucky to be here doing what we love #lovemysport — Boffie Brown (@pandbeventing) June 14, 2014
A heavy heart today. My sympathy and love to Jordan and Ben’s family’s . Special prayer for Shandiss. No words can change this Tragic day. — Clayton Fredericks (@ClaytonFrederi1) June 14, 2014
Bens mother has said that Ben would have wanted the event to continue and the riders have decided to go on with a changed schedule. — German Eventing (@luhmuehlen2014) June 14, 2014
Very sad day.Such an incredibly lovely,kind& talented person..Who was an asset to our sport.Thoughts with all connected #RIPben#toughsport — Emily King (@emilykingg_) June 14, 2014
Thinking of you Shandiss McDonald. Sending love & hugs. I’m heartbroken today. Had to say good bye to some of the greatest I have known. RIP — O’Hanlon Eventing (@SelenaOHanlon) June 14, 2014
Life’s too short & you never know what’s around the corner so live life to the full & enjoy every second you have! #R.I.P.Ben #R.I.P.Jordan
— Laura Collett (@CollettEventing) June 14, 2014
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While we are all still mourning our losses and feeling a bit numb from the tragic accidents of today, we must also recognize that there were some bright spots, and celebrate the success of those who triumphed. Our sport will always be one that can take you to places you only dreamed of, but also full of gut wrenching low points. We can only hope that the devastating effects of today will encourage a change that will positively affect the rest of the equestrian world.
