British Eventing has expressed its deepest condolences following the deaths of two riders in separate cross-country accidents at affiliated events on Saturday 18 July 2026.
The governing body confirmed that Sophie Fouracre, 34, died after sustaining fatal injuries while riding Rhubarbsfox Brittania during the cross-country phase at Swalcliffe Park Horse Trials in Oxfordshire. Hours later, Kerry Donoghue, 42, died following a separate cross-country accident while riding Carneyhaugh Rua at Penrith Horse Trials in Cumbria.
Swalcliffe Park Horse Trials, held near Banbury in Oxfordshire, is a long-established fixture on the British Eventing calendar, attracting competitors across a range of national classes. Penrith Horse Trials, staged at Frenchfield near Penrith in Cumbria, is another well-supported event that welcomes riders from across the north of England and beyond.
According to British Eventing, medical teams at both venues responded immediately and provided emergency treatment. Despite their best efforts, neither rider could be saved. The organisation also confirmed that both horses were examined by attending veterinary teams and were found to be uninjured.
In a statement, 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.”
British Eventing has confirmed that comprehensive reviews of both accidents will now be carried out in accordance with its established safety and incident review procedures.
The organisation has also encouraged anyone affected by these tragic events to seek support through the British Eventing Support Trust Helpline, which is available 24 hours a day.
Everyone at Everything Horse extends their sincere condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of Sophie Fouracre and Kerry Donoghue. Our thoughts are also with their fellow competitors, organisers, officials, volunteers, emergency responders and the wider eventing community as they come to terms with these heartbreaking losses.
British Eventing statement
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.
