Equestrian Who Competed with Queen Elizabeth’s Horses Died After Suffering ‘Massive Trauma’ in Fall, Hearing Finds
Sophie Fouracre sustained “significant injuries” when she fell from her horse at Swalcliffe Park Equestrian in the U.K. on July 18
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NEED TO KNOW
- An equestrian who competed with some of Queen Elizabeth’s horses died from “massive trauma” after falling from her horse at an event in July, a hearing has found
- Sophie Fouracre sustained “significant injuries” during the incident at Swalcliffe Park Equestrian in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, on Saturday, July 18
- Friends have paid tribute to the mom of two, with one saying she always wore “a big smile and an excited sparkle in her eyes”
An equestrian and mother of two who competed with some of Queen Elizabeth’s horses died from “massive trauma” following an accident at an equestrian event last month, a hearing has found.
Sophie Fouracre was competing at Swalcliffe Park Equestrian in Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom on Saturday, July 18, when she fell from her horse, Rhubarbsfox Britannia.
The 34-year-old, who lived in the town of Basingstoke, about 50 miles southwest of London, sustained “significant injuries” in the fall and later died, according to a statement presented at a hearing at Oxford Coroner’s Court on Thursday, Aug. 6.
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Her cause of death was confirmed as “massive trauma” following a post-mortem, per court documents reviewed by PEOPLE on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
In her career, Fouracre took part in the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials and rode for the late Queen, participating in events with four of her horses, according to a rider biography.
She also picked up a horse sired by Speedway, which is owned by King Charles, calling it “such an honor.”
The hearing into her death is set to resume on Monday, Nov. 23.
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Fouracre’s death came on the same day as another equestrian, 42-year-old Kerry Donoghue, died in a separate accident about 225 miles north of Oxfordshire, according to a statement shared by the Event Horse Owners Association (EHOA) that paid tribute to both women.
“The EHOA Board send their deepest condolences to Kerry and Sophie’s families, friends and loved ones at this devastating time,” the EHOA said. “Our thoughts are also with their fellow competitors, organizers, owners, officials, volunteers and everyone who has been affected by these tragic events.”
Rosie Williams, chief executive of British Eventing, said in the statement that the “British Eventing community is heartbroken.”
She added, “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.”
A number of Fouracre’s friends and loved ones also paid tribute following her death.
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One woman who said she worked for Fouracre wrote on Facebook at the time, “I’m struggling to find the words, I’m devastated. My thoughts are always with Sophie’s family and beautiful children.”
“Sophie touched the lives of so many people, and was loved by so many,” she continued.
Another wrote, “When I think of [Sophie], I smile, because that’s exactly what she always wore: a big smile and an excited sparkle in her eyes.”
