British Eventing has confirmed the tragic loss of Sophie Fouracre and Kerry Donoghue following separate incidents on Saturday 18th July 2026.
34-year-old British rider Sophie Fouracre suffered a fatal accident while competing at Swalcliffe Park Horse Trials in Oxfordshire, England. Just hours later at Penrith (2) Horse Trials in Cumbria, Kerry Donoghue, aged 42, died following a cross-country accident riding Carneyhaugh Rua
The statement from British Eventing says that "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”
Both events were abandoned following the accidents.
Experienced competitor Sophie Fouracre (nee Jenman) had competed to 5* level and ridden eventing horses for the late Queen Elizabeth II. She was well-known for her skill in bringing along young horses, with two of her protegees, Delarado and Billy Alberto, now competed by New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington. She was competing at BE90 level with her horse Rhubarbsfox Brittania.
Kerry Donoghue was competing at Open Novice level riding Carneyhaugh Rua, an experienced eventing horse previously ridden to 5* level by Britain’s David Doel
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. 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.
