It is with deepest regret that we confirm that Philippa Humphreys (GBR) suffered a fatal accident today (14 May) while competing at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event in Allentown, New Jersey (USA).
Philippa Humphreys, 33, and the 13-year-old gelding Rich N Famous, fell at fence 16 on the CCI3* course. The rider was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in nearby Hamilton, New Jersey, but sadly could not be saved. The horse was uninjured in the fall.
Philippa Humphreys lived in Rockford, Michigan, and had been competing at three-star level on the US circuit for the past two years with Rich N Famous. The combination finished fifth in their last outing at the CIC3* in Elkton, Maryland last month.
“All of us connected with the Jersey Fresh International are deeply saddened by today's tragic news and we extend our condolences to Philippa's husband, Peter, and to her entire family," Chairman of the Jersey Fresh Three-Day Event Dan Wunderlich said.
“This was a terrible accident resulting in the tragic loss of an experienced rider”, FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “Philippa Humphreys was a cherished member of the eventing community and her death must not go unmarked. Our top priority at all FEI events is the safety of our riders and horses, and the circumstances of this terrible accident will be fully investigated so that we can learn from it and use the findings to minimise the risks in our sport.
“On behalf of the FEI and the global eventing community, I would like to express our very sincere condolences to Philippa Humphrey’s husband, Peter, to her family and her many friends in the sport, both in the USA and in Britain.”
A statement from the United States Equestrian Federation is available here
British Eventing has also posted the statement on its website here
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