HORSE riding star Sarah Yorke has died aged 37 after falling in a competition.
The devastating accident happened yesterday at Aston-le-Walls Horse Trials in Northamptonshire.
Sarah fell at the third fence in the showjumping part of the eventing contest, a multi-stage equestrian sport which also has cross-country and dressage elements.
Medical professionals attended immediately following her fall at fence 3 but she could not be saved.
Her horse, MGH HERA, was assessed by the on-site veterinary team, walked back to the stable, and is uninjured.
Rosie Williams, Chief Executive of British Eventing (BE), expressed the organisation’s condolences: “On behalf of everyone at British Eventing, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Sarah’s family and friends.
“The thoughts of the entire eventing community are with them at this incredibly difficult time.”
Tributes have since poured in for Sarah on the official social media pages for British Eventing.
One wrote on Facebook: “Sarah I am going to miss your smile, you brought energy everywhere you went.
“You are one of a kind and bloody good friend and you will wear the brightest angel wings.
“I have few words only tears at this very sad time.
Another said: “Heartbreaking. Deepest condolences to Sarah’s family and friends.”
The BE statement added that “a full review of the incident will now be undertaken by British Eventing in line with our established protocols”.
British Eventing has emphasised the importance of community support during this difficult time.
Sarah and her horse were competing at the BE100 level of the competition for their first time together.
The division was designed for grassroots riders and horses to gain experience.
She was fresh off a win last month with her seven-year-old horse, in the BE90 class at trials at the Swalcliffe Park equestrian centre, near Banbury, Oxfordshire.
The BE Support Trust helpline, which is staffed by trained professionals, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 07780 008877.
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