Sarah Yorke, a 37-year-old primary school teacher and mother, has died following a fall during the Aston-le-Walls Horse Trials in Northamptonshire. The accident occurred on Friday while she was competing in the cross country phase of the eventing contest.
Yorke was riding her horse, MGH Hera, at BE100 level for the first time, a category designed for grassroots riders. She fell at the third fence, and despite immediate medical attention, she could not be saved, according to British Eventing (BE).
The horse was assessed by vets at the scene and found to be uninjured. The three-day competition was abandoned following the incident.
Yorke had recently enjoyed success with MGH Hera, winning the BE90 class at Swalcliffe Park last month. BE chief executive Rosie Williams expressed deepest condolences to Yorke's family and friends, adding that the thoughts of the entire eventing community are with them.
British Eventing said a full review of the incident will be carried out and urged competitors to support each other. The BE Support Trust helpline is available 24/7 on 07780 008877.
