Image via Equestrian Australia.
Equestrian Australia has announced the deaths of two horses at two separate events this weekend. One rider was reportedly transported to a hospital, and the other is confirmed to be safe. At this time, no information has been provided as to the nature of the deaths and whether or not they were falls and/or fence-related.
One horse death occurred in the CCI4*-S division at Naracoorte Horse Trials in South Australia. The federation issued the following statement:
Equestrian Australia has become aware that earlier today during the Naracoorte Horse Trials CCI4*S an incident has occurred.
The rider is stable and has been transported to hospital, however the horse passed away immediately.
In accordance with EA-FEI event SIMP and Critical Incident Management Plan, incident response protocols were followed. More information will follow in due course.
Our sincere condolences to the rider (owner) and all other relevant parties.
Andrew Hamilton (Acting CEO)
The second death occurred in the CCIN1* at Tamborine Equestrian Group One Day International Event. Equestrian Australia issued the following statement:
Equestrian Australia has become aware that earlier today during the Tamborine Equestrian Group One Day International Event CCN1* an incident has occurred.
It is confirmed that the rider is safe, however the horse has passed away. The horse has been respectfully removed to a private and secure location.
In accordance with EA-FEI event SIMP and Critical Incident Management Plan, incident response protocols were followed. More information will follow in due course.
Our sincere condolences to the rider (owner) and all other relevant parties.
Andrew Hamilton (Acting CEO)
Update: May 17, 9:00 a.m. EST
Equestrian Australia has released updated statements regarding the two horse deaths that occurred. The statements read as follows:
Tamborine Equestrian Group CCIN1*:
Equestrian Australia (EA) would like to advise, that Laura Rae, has returned home safely yesterday following the incident at Tamborine Equestrian Group One Day International Event.
The horse Laura was riding affectionally known as ‘Bob’, passed away from a cardiovascular incident.
EA would like to commend and thank the Serious Incident Management Team who responded to this incident promptly and who diligently took care of the rider, the horse and all first responders.
Support continues to be provided to all relevant parties.
Equestrian Australia (EA) would like to advise, that Usman Khan, the rider transported to hospital yesterday following the incident at Naracoorte Horse Trials Event, was discharged from hospital last evening.
The horse Usman was riding called ’Kasheer’ (aka Benny), passed away from a proximal cervical fracture.
EA would like to commend and thank the Serious Incident Management Team who responded to this incident promptly and who diligently took care of the rider, the horse and all first responders.
Support continues to be provided to all relevant parties.
