Global Courant 2023-05-03 11:28:19
“The horse stumbled and fell due to a rotation” during the competition.
An “up-and-coming” teen rider died last weekend after an accident during a competition in Florida.
The incident occurred when 15-year-old Hannah Serfass was riding Quaxx — a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding — when “the horse tripped and had a rotating fall” while competing in the Fox Lea Farm Spring Concours I in Venice, Florida, according to the American Equestrian Federation.
“The fall had nothing to do with a jumping effort,” the U.S. Equestrian Federation said in a statement confirming Serfass’s death. “The EMT responded immediately and Hannah was transported to Sarasota Memorial where she was pronounced dead.”
The horse was unharmed in the accident.
That was a report from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office obtained by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune said the accident happened just after the horse successfully jumped when it planted its left front hoof, causing the horse to lean significantly.
“This action caused the rider to fall forward and off the horse in the same direction to the ground. The horse then continued to fall in the same direction and fell on the rider’s head to the ground,” the report said.
Serfass was described by the U.S. Equestrian Federation as a “very talented up and coming young rider… She was known for her passion for horses, her natural ability and her work ethic.”
“The USEF, USHJA and Fox Lea Farm team would like to extend our deepest condolences to Hannah’s family, support team and friends,” the USEF said. in their statement. “The Federation takes any accident very seriously and will review it thoroughly to learn what we can do to minimize the risks and increase safety in equestrian sport.”
Fox Lea Farm, where the accident took place, released a statement expressing their condolences on social media.
“Fox Lea Farm had a tragedy today,” the statement read. “Out of respect for the family, no information is being shared at this time. We extend our sincere condolences to the family, trainer, friends and the entire equestrian community. We are all heartbroken.”
