Two professional equestrians died in separate competitions on Saturday in England.
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Sophie Fouracre, 34, was fatally injured in a cross-country accident while riding Rhubarbsfox Britannia at Swalcliffe Park in Oxfordshire.
Hours later, 42-year-old Kerry Donoghue died while riding Carneyhaugh Rua in another cross-country event at Penrith in Cumbria.
Despite both riders receiving immediate medical assistance and emergency treatment, both of them succumbed to their injuries, according to a statement shared by the Event Horse Owners Association (EHOA).
"The EHOA Board sends their deepest condolences to Kerry and Sophie's families, friends and loved ones at this devastating time," the statement read. "Our thoughts are also with their fellow competitors, organizers, owners, officials, volunteers and everyone who has been affected by these tragic events."
Eventing consists of three phases: dressage, showjumping and cross-country.
Both incidents took place during the cross-country phases of the competitions.
British Eventing Exec Issues Statement
British Eventing chief executive Rosie Williams said in a statement that the 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.
Williams also thanked the medical staff for acting swiftly in the face of tragedy.
"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.
Williams concluded by saying that the tragedies will have a lasting effect on the sport.
"The loss of two members of our eventing family on the same day is almost beyond words. We know the sadness of these events will be felt profoundly across the sport for some time to come."
British Eventing said it will conduct formal reviews of both accidents. The organization also urged anyone affected by the tragedies to seek support through the British Eventing Support Trust Helpline.
Fatal equestrian accidents are relatively uncommon, making Saturday's tragedies harder to digest. May Donoghue and Fouracre rest in peace.
