Two British event riders die in separate accidents

Two experienced event riders died in separate accidents within hours of each other on Saturday, July 18, 2026, casting a pall over the British equestrian community. Sophie Fouracre, 34, and Kerry Donoghue, 42, both suffered fatal injuries during the cross-country phase of competitions in Oxfordshire and Cumbria, respectively.

Sophie Fouracre was riding a five-year-old mare named Rhubarbsfox Brittania at the Swalcliffe Park event near Banbury when the accident occurred. Medical teams responded immediately and provided emergency treatment, but she could not be saved. Hours later, Kerry Donoghue was fatally injured while riding Carneyhaugh Rua at an event at Frenchfield Farm in Penrith. An air ambulance was dispatched to that scene, but Donoghue also succumbed to her injuries. Both horses were examined by veterinary teams and were found to be uninjured. The competitions at both venues were immediately abandoned for the weekend.

British Eventing, the sport's governing body, confirmed the deaths in a statement on Sunday, July 19. Chief Executive Rosie Williams said the community was heartbroken and extended the organization's deepest condolences to the riders' families, friends, and...