09-08-2025
British rider Sarah Yorke dies after fall during horse trials competition
A British rider died at a horse trials event after falling while competing. Sarah Yorke, 37, suffered the fatal accident on Friday at Aston-le-Walls Horse Trials in the Northamptonshire village of the same name.
Yorke, who reports have described as a primary school teacher and mother to a young daughter, fell at the third fence during the showjumping part of the eventing contest.
Her death was confirmed on Saturday in a statement released by British Eventing (BE).
It read: 'It is with the deepest sadness that we confirm Sarah Yorke (GBR), 37, suffered a fatal accident while competing at Aston-le-Walls Horse Trials in Northamptonshire.
'Medical professionals attended immediately following her fall at fence 3; however, tragically, she could not be horse, MGH HERA, was assessed by the on-site vets, walked back to the stable, and is uninjured.'
Rosie Williams, BE chief executive, added: 'On behalf of everyone at British Eventing, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Sarah's family and friends. The thoughts of the entire eventing community are with them at this incredibly difficult time.'
BE said 'a full review will now be undertaken by British Eventing in line with our established protocols'.
It also added: 'To respect the family's privacy during this very sad time, no further details will be shared.
'We appreciate this is a deeply difficult moment for the eventing community, and we encourage everyone to support one another. The British Eventing Support Trust Helpline is available 24/7 on 07780 008877 for anyone who would like to talk to a trained professional.'
The three-day horse trials event at Aston-le-Walls, which was scheduled to enter its final day on Saturday, was abandoned after the accident.
An unaffiliated showjumping and cross-country schooling day at the same venue was expected to go ahead as planned on Sunday.
