Equestrians Around the Globe Show Support Following Death of 17-Year-Old Rider #RideForOlivia
By: Brittany Bevis
If you’re wondering why your social media news feeds are filled with photos of equestrians and their horses accompanied by the hashtag #RideForOlivia, we now know why.
Olivia Inglis was a 17-year-old Eventing rider who tragically died on Sunday after her horse tripped at a fence and fell on top of her during the Scone Horse Trials in Australia. Since that time, media reports have also confirmed that her horse, Coriolanus, has been euthanized.
Despite being given urgent medical attention by the on-site paramedic, on-course doctor, and Westpac rescue helicopter service, Olivia was unable to be revived. Due to the tragic accident, the decision was made to cancel the Scone Horse Trials.
Event management released, in part, the following statement on the day of Olivia’s accident.
“Due to a tragic accident today, the Scone Horse Trials have been cancelled. The Scone Horse Trials committee and Equestrian Australia offer their heartfelt condolences to Charlotte and Arthur Inglis and their family for their tragic loss and request their privacy be respected at this time.”
“Counseling services have been arranged with Davidson Trahaire to support anyone who was at the event and would like to access this service. Please call 1300 360 364 and mention Equestrian Australia and you will be directed to a counselor.”
The Scone Horse Trials organizing committee is being praised for their quick action and professionalism for the decision to cancel the event following the accident.
Two days following the accident, a fellow rider, Lisa Purcell, came up with the idea of a creating a mosaic print to present to Olivia’s family that will be made up of hundreds of smaller images of equestrians with their favorite horses.
“For all of our Eventing community and also friends and riders that knew the amazing Olivia, we are putting together a special mosaic print for the Inglis family, but need your help! Please post your most favorite photo of you and your beloved horse and add #rideforolivia when you post it where it will then be incorporated into the mosaic, which will make up the one overall photo of Olivia riding. Please pass this on so we can get hundreds of photos together!”
Since that time, the #RideForOlivia campaign has gone viral being viewed well over a million times across all equestrian disciplines and around the world.
Also, in memory of Olivia, the Scone Horse Trials has donated the prize money from the NSW Eventing Championships to a new foundation that has been set up in conjunction with Equestrian NSW. The fund will be called the Olivia Inglis Eventing Scholarship.
“This Scholarship has been set up with the Australian Sports Foundation and all donations will be tax deductible. Further details about the scholarship and how you can donate will be available tomorrow. The Inglis Family would greatly appreciate in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Scholarship foundation.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Inglis family during this difficult time.
Click here to read more about the Inglis family.
#RideForOlivia
