Eventing world rocked by fatality

The eventing community is in mourning after Portuguese event rider Francisco Seabra was killed in a cross-country fall on Saturday (14 February).

Water

Seabra, 30, was competing in the CIC2* class at theAlegra Rancho Eventing Tour in Seville. His 12-year-old gelding Aferzysta fell at the final element of fence 10, a water combination. Paramedics attented to the rider but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The horse was uninjured in the fall.

Statement

Following the news of the fatality, the FEI released an official statement: “At every FEI event, the maximum consideration is given to the safety and welfare of horses and competitors. The FEI is conducting a full investigation into the circumstances of this tragic accident.”

Francisco had competed up to three-star level and was part of the Portuguese team at the FEI World Equestrian Games last summer in Normandy, where he finished 44th. His brother Duarte is also an international event rider.

H&C would like to express our condolences to the Seabra family.