On Saturday, July 18, two statements from British Eventing were posted informing us that two serious incidents had taken place at competitions – one at Swalcliffe in Oxfordshire and one at Penrith in Cumbria. Both events were abandoned for the remainder of the weekend, and live scores were removed from the scoring platform out of respect for those affected.
Following other losses in our sport, EN has undertaken the following protocol:
These incidents represent incredibly dark days within our sport. We understand that the news cycle is cruel, particularly in cases like this. To help keep the cycle from perpetuating in the light of such loss, EN will continue to publish stories and news on an as-needed/timely basis, but we will refrain from sharing these updates on our social media platforms for the next few days. We feel as powerless as anyone in these situations and feel that the least we can do is not move on lightly. We will also not speculate on the circumstances of the incidents, nor will we allow this to take place in the comments sections.
Our thoughts are with all of those affected by these losses and we work for a safe sport in everything we do. We thank you for your understanding.
It is with immense sadness that British Eventing confirms the tragic loss of Sophie Fouracre and Kerry Donoghue following separate incidents on Saturday 18th July 2026.
Sophie Fouracre, aged 34, was fatally injured in a cross-country accident riding Rhubarbsfox Brittania, at Swalcliffe Park, Oxfordshire, England.
Hours later at Penrith in Cumbria, Kerry Donoghue, aged 42, died following a cross-country accident riding Carneyhaugh Rua.
At both venues, the event medical teams responded immediately and provided emergency treatment. Despite their best efforts sadly neither rider could be saved.
Both horses were examined by the attending veterinary team and were found to be uninjured.
Rosie Williams, Chief Executive of British Eventing, said: “The British Eventing community is heartbroken. On behalf of everyone at British Eventing, I want to extend our deepest condolences to Kerry and Sophie’s families, friends and loved ones at this devastating time. Our thoughts are also with their fellow competitors, organisers, officials, volunteers and everyone who has been affected by these tragic events.
“We are immensely grateful to the organisers, doctors, paramedics, veterinary teams, officials and emergency services at both events for the professionalism, compassion and care they showed in the most difficult of circumstances.
“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.”
In accordance with British Eventing’s safety and incident review procedures, comprehensive reviews of both accidents will now be undertaken.
We recognise the impact these tragic events will have across the eventing community. Anyone affected is encouraged to seek support through the British Eventing Support Trust Helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 07780 008877.
We respectfully ask that the privacy of both families is respected during this incredibly difficult time.
