British Eventing has confirmed the tragic deaths of two horse riders, Sophie Fouracre and Kerry Donoghue, who died in separate cross-country accidents on the same day, July 18, 2026.
Incidents at Swalcliffe Park and Penrith
Sophie Fouracre, 34, was fatally injured in a cross-country accident while riding Rhubarbsfox Brittania at Swalcliffe Park in Oxfordshire. Hours later, at Penrith in Cumbria, Kerry Donoghue, 42, died following a cross-country accident riding Carneyhaugh Rua.
At both venues, medical teams provided immediate emergency treatment, but despite their best efforts, neither rider could be saved. Both horses were examined by veterinary teams and found to be uninjured.
Official Statement from British Eventing
A British Eventing spokesperson said: "It is with immense sadness that British Eventing confirms the tragic loss of Sophie Fouracre and Kerry Donoghue following separate incidents on Saturday, July 18. Sophie Fouracre, 34, was fatally injured in a cross-country accident riding Rhubarbsfox Brittania, at Swalcliffe Park, Oxfordshire, England. Hours later at Penrith in Cumbria, Kerry Donoghue, 42, died following a cross-country accident riding Carneyhaugh Rua. 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. In accordance with British Eventing's safety and incident review procedures, comprehensive reviews of both accidents will now be undertaken. We respectfully ask that the privacy of both families is respected during this incredibly difficult time."
Condolences from Chief Executive
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."
Ms Williams expressed gratitude to paramedics, veterinary teams and organisers at both events for the "professionalism, compassion and care they showed in the most difficult of circumstances." She added: "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."
Investigation and Safety Review
British Eventing will conduct comprehensive reviews of both accidents as part of its safety and incident review procedures. The organization has not released further details about the causes of the accidents but emphasized that the welfare of the horses was checked and confirmed.
