Two riders have been killed today (Saturday 14 June) at two separate events.
Rotational fall
German event rider Benjamin Winter died following a rotational fall on the cross-country atLuhmühlen in Germany.
The 25-year-old was making his four-star debut. On his first ride, Wild Thing Z, Benjamin had completed the course clear within the time.
His second ride, Ipso, fell at fence 20, and Benjamin suffered severe head injuries in the fall.
Statement
The event organisers released an official statement following the accident. “It is with the deepest regret and sadness that we announce that Benjamin Winter (GER) suffered a fatal accident while competing at the CCI**** in Luhmühlen.
“On behalf of the whole sport, we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Benjamin’s family. The horse and rider had a rotational fall at fence number 20. The horse was uninjured.
“At every FEI event, the maximum consideration is given to the safety and welfare of horses and competitors. The causes of this accident will be further investigated by all parties.”
Earlier that day, British rider Tom Crisps’ horse Liberal collapsed and died on course.
Fatal accident
Further sad news soon followed when British Eventing announced that a Canadian rider had died at Nunney International Horse Trials in Somerset.
A statement on BE’s website said: “It is with the deepest regret that we announce that Mr Jordan McDonald suffered a fatal accident whilst competing at Nunney British Eventing affiliated one-day event in Somerset. Jordan was aged 30 and based in Leicestershire but is Canadian by nationality. He had been married to Shandiss for 1 year.”
Jordan’s horse, Only Me, was not injured in the fall. The rest of the day’s competition was cancelled as a mark of respect.
H&C would like to express our sincere condolences to friends, families and connections of those involved in today’s accidents.