05.12.08
Eventing tragedies on the rise
This report from QL about the increasing number of injuries and deaths in the sport of Eventing. QL makes this comment–
In case you are wondering why I’m so upset at this, I know eventers who are scared to death about what has happened to the sport but are more fearful of the USEA. It it up to those the USEA cannot affect (US) to start the fire of outrage and opposition to begin changing this sport, which is pushing the physical limits of horse and rider to unattainable levels, too often ending in destruction of rider and horse.
Please be warned that some of these links have very disturbing photos.
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There has been more tragedy in Eventing, the sport of fast-paced field trials for horse and rider. This is becoming a common occurrence. Too common.
The list grows longer.
The list grows faster.
Last week:
Horse Frodo Baggins. Killed.
Horse The Quiet Man. Killed.
How many more? How many do we never hear about?
If the New York Times finds alarming the increasing incidences of tragedy in rider and horse deaths over the last two years, shouldn’t all riders and horse enthusiasts be alarmed? Shouldn’t the USEA (U.S. Eventing Assoc.)? See New York Times on spate of deaths, April 9, 2008 after recent eventing tragedy in which Darren Chiacchia is near-fatally injured. Also see Equestrian accidents spark safety debate by United Press International, April 9, 2008.
For major international riders, as of April 2008 - 14 Eventing Rider Deaths in 2007-08. How many horses? 5 or is it 8 now? How many injuries and deaths of horses and riders are not important enough to report? The industry needs to examine itself and what it is asking of rider and horse. Stop blaming the riders. Report by Lexington Herald-Leader on Kentucky.com
USEA, The governing body of the sport, is responsible for what is asked of rider and horse– training, physical and professional requirements as well as the design of the courses. Instead of press releases, action is needed to save the horses and riders from the business of eventing and perhaps themselves.
The USEA should make video of the accidents public instead of hiding behind copyright laws. Riders need to see these records of tragedy for the purpose of education as well as to bring home the reality of what can, has, and could happen. Riders and trainers should also be able to stand up and question when they feel courses are not feasible or are unnecessarily dangerous, without fear of recrimination.
List of 14 riders injured or killed in 2007 and up to April 2008. How many more must die. How many more must be crippled and spirits and dreams destroyed before something is done?
They were beautiful and lost too soon. Frodo Baggins and The Quiet Man video Tribute
Additional information:
Graphic photo The Quiet Man falls
Graphic photo Frodo Baggins falls
Hopes and dreams of Laine Ashker, rider and trainer of Frodo Baggins, in 2007 prior to their accident. Laine was very seriously injured in Frodo’s fall.
Laine Ashker, Rolex Featured Rider, 4 Parts
Sarah Hansel, rider of The Quiet Man, photo prior to her accident.
Karen Rodgers dies in One-Day Event in Ireland, April (from Eventing Ireland)
Rolex Competition and explanation of the Event
The Rolex Course:
virtual course
virtual fence
Additional articles– deaths and accidents:
Equestrian Eleanor Brennan and horse die, from Ocala.com Nov. 2007
Safety investigation follows Frodo’s fall, Kentucky.com
USEA responses:
Letter of concern by David O’Connor and Kevin Baumgardner, April 2008
USEA and USEF statements about recent falls
Captain Mark Phillips and Mike Etherington-Smith speak after Franz Graf and Karen Rodgers die in April
Message from President Baumgardner “taking a hard look at the sport,” March 23, 2008– citing injuries to Darren Chiacchia, and deaths of two horses Direct Manager and Leprechauns Rowdy Boy.
Statement concerning Le Samurai, euthanized after injuries in Rolex 3-Day in April 2007
Barb B said,
June 15, 2008 at 11:20 pm
There have been 8 beautiful upper level horses killed in competiition in 2008 (and it is only June!) 5 others last year in competition. The injuries and accidents will continue to kill unless steps are taken. All jumps need to be able to deform so that the rotational falls stop. Trainers need to be responsible for the students they send out there…. are they qualified, are they capable, is the horse sound. Organizers need to understand the issues happen on cross country… better course design, better course control. And the governing body needs to mandate ICP certification for trainers of upper level riders and officials.
Kristi N said,
August 23, 2008 at 11:00 pm
On olympic weekend we hear that two more riders have died in upper level competition on Aug 3,2008 both at Hartpury trials in UK… The Templar, a great horse also died at that event but under a rider who wasn’t killed. Yes the olympics were exciting… but everyone saw, on TV, how the horses struggeled… and there were more nasty falls… just not deaths… this time. Please talk to your local riders and have them demand that this sport be reviewed for safety… check out this espn piece… Eventing is the most deadly sport in the Olympics.
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3533416&n8pe6c=2&categoryId=3060647