Tiggy Hancock: Tributes Paid After Younger Eventer’s Death
Tiggy Hancock, a younger eventer, died following a horse riding accident earlier this week.
A 15-year old eventer rising the ranks, Tiggy was seriously injured during squad training in Greenogue, Dublin. She was taken to hospital, where she later died.
Marks of respect for Tiggy have been demonstrated across the equestrian competition scene.
Irish competitor’s payed their respects to the rising star at the LGCT Grand Prix in Stockholm. The Irish team each wore an armband in Tiggy’s favourite colour, yellow. Eventing Ireland has extended the invitation to join this mark of respect to all their participants.
Further, the board of Eventing Ireland has called off dressage tests that were due to take place in Co Tipperary over the weekend (19-20 June). The Irish Pony Society also cancelled their Spring Show (19-20 June).
Tributes To Tiggy Hancock
Tributes have poured in for the late eventer. Messages from the local community, equestrians, and sporting bodies have all raced to show support and their sympathies.
Chief Executive of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), Joe Reynolds, recognised Tiggy was “shaping up so well” and she had a “huge future in front of her”. Joe continued;
She was competent, confident, and also she was well liked by her peers, the trainers, by everybody that interacted with her.”
Members of the Irish Pony Society were also “shocked and saddened” to hear of the tragic death of their beloved member. A statement released by the society read;
Tiggy was an exceptional and talented young rider who was such an inspiration and was looked up to by so many of our members. Her accomplishments within the IPS and all equestrian disciplines both here and in the UK are well documented.”
“She will always be remembered for her radiant smile, her gratitude and laughter in victory and defeat.”
“She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of spending time with her.”
Showjumping Ireland’s Leinster branch extended their “deepest sympathies” and support to the friends and family of the eventer.
A social post by the branch, read;
The entire Equestrian community are deeply saddened at the loss of such a promising young person who was held in such high regard by all those that had come in contact with her. We offer our support to the family in this time of extreme sadness but we are sure that the many happy memories of this young lady and her achievements will help give strength to those close to her.”
Tiggy Hancocks funeral will take place on Monday (21 June).
As a mark of respect, the members of the South Leinster and Waterford Irish Pony Society will be at the funeral. Members will be taking part in a guard of honour along the funeral route.
Header Image: Tiggy Hancock, pictured in 2019 before the Pony Eventing European Championships (image credit: Sportsfile)
