Community rallies to remember teen killed in freak horse accident

7NEWS

23-04-2025

The horse-riding community is banding together to honour a free-thinking teenager lost in a freak accident.
Brandi Wilkinson, from the tiny NSW towns of Kandos and Dunedoo, will be forever 16 after being kicked in the head by her horse in a freak incident on April 11.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
A born animal lover, Brandi and her boyfriend Tyler were out riding, doing nothing out of the ordinary when Brandi was kicked.
She suffered a fatal blow to the head and was not able to be saved, dying in Tyler's arms leaving behind a heartbroken family and two grieving regional communities.
Rebecca Stewart, a high school friend of Brandi's mother, told 7NEWS.com.au about the profound loss of a girl she had known since she was born.
'Brandi was a funny, witty little like girl who loved her animals, ranging from frogs to horses, but horses was her passion,' she said.
'She was bullied at school. Using her horses as her outlet to escape that, she enjoyed her life.'
The animals brought Brandi happiness and freedom as she fought through own self-consciousness battles. When Brandi was out riding her horses Azzlin and Blue Jeans she was at her happiest. Her dogs Buster, Pluto and Chox weren't far behind.
She would claim anything and anyone as a friend and rarely let the bad overcome her goals and the good.
Pyper, one of Brandi's sisters, wants to remember her sister as a person who made people smile.
'Brandi was a beautiful, young gentle soul that put a huge grin on everyone's face. She adored being with the people who made her feel blessed and the ones who she loved most,' she said.
'Brandi enjoyed being around any animal from a young age.'
Another sister, Akyah said she will miss laughing with Brandi.
'Brandi was one of the kindest, most selfless, and funniest people I've ever known. She had this incredible way of making people laugh, even when they didn't want to, and she'd always help me out no matter what even though she'd whinge the whole time and make sure I knew how much of a favour she was doing me,' she said.
'One of my favorite memories is when we'd take the dogs for walks around town, just talking shit about anything and everything, laughing until our stomachs hurt. We fought like cats and dogs, constantly bickering and getting under each other's skin, but no matter what, she always made sure we were on good terms before the day ended. That was Brandi: real, loyal, and full of love in her own loud, hilarious way.'
Brandi's boyfriend's parents also paid tribute, knowing their son was the last person to hold her.
'We can honestly say in the short time we have known this beautiful soul she went from being a quiet and very reserved teenager to a bright, bubbly and quite a smart young lady who had a rough time over the years with being bullied at school but once she came to us and [we] were getting our four children ready to go back for this year's schooling,' they said.
'She didn't waste any time asking if she could give school another go and attend with Ty and two of his siblings that are in high school, in the first term she was back at school she was kicking goals. Brandi was so proud of herself and so were we all.
'She really was a breath of fresh air and we are very pleased that she chose our Ty to fall in love with.'
Chelsea, who had known Brandi since year one, was also quick to pay tribute.
'There is a lot I could say about her, she had a heart of gold and was always there when you needed someone, she had a laugh that you couldn't forget, there was never a dull moment when you were around her, she was very set on her goals in life and would always find a way to complete them,' she said.
Another friend, Emily, told 7NEWS.com.au that Brandi could brighten anyone's day.
'I don't even know where to start — there's just so much to say,' she said.
'Brandi was my best friend since we were little kids. From playdates to fights, we always stuck by each other's side.
'Her kindness and love inspired everyone around her to be their best, even through the toughest times. Her smile could brighten anybody's day, and her laugh — well, it was so contagious we'd end up both laughing on the ground, not even knowing why anymore.
'And lastly, her goofy but loving personality made her the amazing person she was — a caring, kind-hearted best friend.
'She was, and will always be loved and missed.'
Tamika Stewart grew up alongside Brandi and said she was a very much a happy-go-lucky type.
'She really loved living in the moment, not planning things,' she said.
'She just lived on. Just lived her life.'
Stewart added Brandi was a big Lane Pittman fan. Pittman is a rising Australian country music star who has gained a significant following after touring with Luke Combs. Brandi was usually singing Pittman's songs while with her horses.
Her parents, Tracey and Tim, are now faced with the task of planning their eldest daughter's funeral with a GoFundMe started by the Stewarts to help give Brandi a good country send-off.
He funeral will be held on May 1, with attendees being asked to come Cowgirl style — with odd socks and crocs.
On the funeral notice it quoted 'rode hard, to fly high': a testament to how Brandi lived her life.
In addition to Pyper and Akyah, Brandi also leaves behind siblings Shayde and Rhys.