A teenage girl tragically lost her life during an equestrian competition in Florida when her horse fell on top of her, resulting in fatal injuries.
The US Equestrian Federation issued a statement confirming the incident involving 15-year-old Hannah Serfass at the Fox Lea Farm Spring Concours I in Venice, Florida, on Sunday, April 30.
Serfass was riding a 12-year-old horse when it tripped and experienced a rotational fall, causing both the horse and young rider to fall to the ground. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office verified that Serfass had cleared the sixth jump and was halfway through the course before the accident.
As the horse approached the next hurdle, it unexpectedly placed excessive weight on its left front hoof, leading to a forward lean. This sudden movement caused Serfass and the horse to fall in the same direction, resulting in the horse landing on top of the girl and impacting her head. Fox Lea Farm personnel provided first aid until emergency responders arrived.
Despite the efforts of first responders, Serfass was rushed to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries. The horse involved in the incident did not sustain any harm.
In an emotional tribute, Serfass’s family, through a GoFundMe page that has raised over $54,000, remembered her as a gifted rider with a bright future.
Florida ranks as the third-largest equine state in the US, housing more than 385,000 horses, according to the state’s Agriculture and Consumer Services Department.
Following a similar incident in 2009, Florida enacted “Nicole’s Law,” which mandates that riders under 16 must wear helmets while horseback riding to prevent tragic accidents.
Fox Lea Farm announced plans to commemorate the young girl’s memory by planting a tree with a plaque in collaboration with the World Equestrian Center.
Acknowledging the gravity of the accident, the US Equestrian Federation pledged to conduct a comprehensive review to minimize risks and enhance safety in equestrian sports.
