A professional event rider died at Schenefeld Horse Trials in Germany on Saturday (4 August) after she was thrown from her horse during the cross-country phase.
Tina Richter-Vietor, 32, was catapulted out of the saddle when Paulchen Panther fell at the second jump on the CIC** course. She broke her neck.
Course-designer and event director Hinrich Groth described the fence as an easy one, with a good groundline, which was designed to enable the rider to establish a rhythm at the start of the course. He speculated that perhaps a poor stride had brought the horse too close to the fence for a good take-off.
He said: “Thirty-five other horses jumped it clear that day, but maybe Tina wasnt concentrating because she hit the fence and flew to the right, while the horse flew to the left.
On-site medics tried unsuccessfully to revive Miss Richter-Vietor. The treating doctor said: It was apparent that Tina had broken her neck. He added that a post-mortem would not be required.
After the fatality Mr Groth cancelled both the remainder of the CIC** event and the FEI World Cup qualifier, but decided to continue with the CNC*** show jumping class because the cross-country phase for that section had already been completed.
He confirmed that the jump, which he described as like a steeplechase fence, would not be used next year.
Miss Richter-Vietor, from Ganderkeese, had twice been a bronze medallist at young rider European Championships. She was unmarried.
