British rider Sarah Yorke has died aged 37 after falling off her horse at an event in Northamptonshire.
Yorke was competing at the Aston-le-Walls Horse Trials on Friday when she fell at the third fence of the course, which includes showjumping and cross-country obstacles.
The 37-year-old was given immediate medical treatment but died from the fall.
Her horse, MGH Hera, did not suffer an injury and walked back to the stable after the accident.
Yorke and MGH Hera were competing at the BE100 level of the British Eventing competition for the first time together. At that level of competition, the maximum height of show jumping fences is 105cm, and cross-country fences are 100cm.
Last month, she won with her seven-year-old horse in the BE90 class at Swalcliffe Park in Oxfordshire.
The three-day trials at Aston-le-Walls, which were due to enter their final day on Saturday, have been abandoned after the accident.
A statement from British Eventing 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, England, on Friday 8 August 2025.
‘Medical professionals attended immediately following her fall at fence 3; however, tragically, she could not be saved.
‘Her horse, MGH Hera, was assessed by the on-site vets, walked back to the stable, and is uninjured.’
Rosie Williams, chief executive of British Eventing, said: ‘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.
‘A full review of the incident will now be undertaken by British Eventing in line with our established protocols.
‘To respect the family’s privacy during this very sad time, no further details will be shared.’
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