Italian event rider Sabrina Manganaro (pictured top) has been killed in a fall.
Her death was confirmed this afternoon (Sunday 12 April) by the Italian Equestrian Federation (FISE).
A statement from the FISE sent to H&H read: “It is with the deepest regret that we announce that Sabrina Manganaro suffered a fatal accident while competing in a pre-novice (cat. 3) at the national eventing competition in Cuceglio (TO) in Italy on Sunday 12 April.
“Her horse Fante di Mezzograno fell at fence 13 at 10.50am causing the immediate death.”
The 25-year-old rider was attended to by doctors at the event, but could not be saved. The horse was uninjured.
“The President of the Italian Equestrian Federation, Vittorio Orlandi and his board members, on behalf of the Italian equestrian community would like to extend their deepest sympathy to Sabrina’s family in this tragic moment,” continued the statement.
Italian Eventing Association (ANCCE) tweeted: “Bad news for Italian eventing. Sabrina Manganaro died after a fall during an eventing competition. Condolences to family and relatives.”
Sabrina, of Lonate Pozzolo, was riding at the national event in San Giorgio Canavese, Turin. Local reports suggest she may have been killed as the result of a rotational fall when the horse fell on her.
“Our thoughts go out to Sabrina Manganaro’s family and friends at this very difficult time,” said an FEI spokesperson. “The Italian National Federation, in its role as the national governing body, will be investigating this accident.”
This is the second death in Europe in eventing in as many months.
Earlier this year Portuguese eventer Francisco Seabra died while competing at the Alegra Rancho Eventing Tour de Utrera in Sevilla, Spain (14 February).
Francisco, 30, was riding 12-year-old Aferzysta in the CIC2* when they fell at the third element of a water obstacle at fence 10C. The rider was attended by a doctor and team of paramedics at the scene. Aferzysta was not injured.
