Woman Dies Following Cross-Country Incident at Penrith Horse Trials
A 42-year-old woman has died following a cross-country incident at the Penrith Horse Trials.
British Eventing confirmed that Kerry Donoghue died while competing at the event at Frenchfield Farm on Saturday, July 18.
Medical teams responded immediately and provided emergency treatment, but she could not be saved. Her horse, Carneyhaugh Rua, was examined by the attending veterinary team and was found to be uninjured.
Weekend competition abandoned
Organisers initially announced that a “serious incident” had taken place on Saturday afternoon.
All remaining competition scheduled for Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 was subsequently abandoned.
The two-day competition was being held at Frenchfield Farm in Penrith and was run by Northern Counties Horse Trials.
British Eventing pays tribute
British Eventing chief executive Rosie Williams said the eventing community was heartbroken by the deaths of Kerry and another rider, Sophie Fouracre, who died following a separate incident at an event in Oxfordshire on the same day.
She offered condolences to both riders’ families, friends and loved ones, as well as fellow competitors, organisers, officials and volunteers affected by the incidents.
British Eventing also thanked the doctors, paramedics, veterinary teams, event officials and emergency services who responded.
Reviews to be carried out
British Eventing said comprehensive reviews of both incidents will now take place.
The organisation confirmed that the incidents happened during separate cross-country competitions on Saturday, July 18.
Support is also being made available to members of the equestrian community affected by the events.
