A 22-year-old champion event rider has died after being thrown from a horse that collapsed beneath her during a training session in Dumfries, Scotland. Natasha Galpin suffered a suspected bleed on the brain when the horse suddenly collapsed due to a ruptured artery between its throat and ear.
The accident occurred on Tuesday at Hetland Hill Stables in Carrutherstown. Ms Galpin was rushed to Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital but died on Wednesday evening. The horse is believed to have died instantly.
Ms Galpin, who ran her own livery yard, was an accomplished event rider and worked for Iain Jardine Racing. In a statement, the team expressed devastation at the loss of a colleague and friend, praising her experience and dedication.
Tributes have been paid by British Horseracing Authority chief executive Nick Rust and British Eventing chief executive David Holmes, who highlighted her talent and achievements, including winning the Scottish and Northern Novice Championship in 2017.
Police have informed the Procurator Fiscal about the incident. The racing community has expressed shock and condolences to her family and friends.
