Death of woman at Oxfordshire horse riding event announced

British eventing has said that Sophie Fouracre, 34, has died in a cross-country accident at Swalcliffe Park, an equestrian centre six miles from Banbury.

This weekend it was hosting its British Eventing Horse Trials, with the accident occurring on Saturday, July 18.

Hours later at Penrith in Cumbria, Kerry Donoghue, aged 42, died also following an accident.

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Rosie Williams, chief executive of British Eventing, said: “The British Eventing community is heartbroken.

“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.

“Our thoughts are also with their fellow competitors, organisers, officials, volunteers and everyone who has been affected by these tragic events.

“We are immensely grateful to the organisers, doctors, paramedics, veterinary teams, officials and emergency services at both events for the professionalism, compassion and care they showed in the most difficult of circumstances.

Swalcliffe Park Equestrian is on Park Lane near Banbury (Image: Google Maps)

“The loss of two members of our eventing family on the same day is almost beyond words, and we know the sadness of these events will be felt profoundly across the sport for some time to come.”

Both were fatally injured in cross-country accidents, with Ms Fouracre riding Rhubarbsfox Brittania while Ms Donoghue was riding Carneyhaugh Rua.

At both venues, the event medical teams responded immediately and provided emergency treatment.

Despite their best efforts neither rider could be saved.

Both horses were examined by the attending veterinary team and were found to be uninjured.

In accordance with British Eventing’s safety and incident review procedures, comprehensive reviews of both accidents will now be undertaken. 

Swalcliffe Park describes itself as a “family run equestrian centre”.

The description on its website reads: “With over 120 cross country elements set around this beautiful family run farm on the edge of the Cotswolds with newly constructed water feature which attracted over 4000 cross country riders last season.”

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A spokesperson for British Eventing said: “We recognise the impact these tragic events will have across the eventing community.

“Anyone affected is encouraged to seek support through the British Eventing Support Trust Helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 07780 008877.

“We respectfully ask that the privacy of both families is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”