Philippa Humphreys, a British rider living in Michigan, died today on the cross-country course at Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event. Humphreys was competing aboard Rich N Famous in the CCI*** event, held at the Horse Park of New Jersey, when she sustained fatal injuries following a rotational fall at The Table (fence 16.)

She is the third eventer to die in competition in as many months.

The official statement from the FEI reads:

It is with deepest regret that we confirm that Philippa Humphreys (GBR) suffered a fatal accident today (14 May) while competing at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event in Allentown, New Jersey (USA).

Philippa Humphreys, 33, and the 13-year-old gelding Rich N Famous, fell at fence 16 on the CCI3* course. The rider was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in nearby Hamilton, New Jersey, but sadly could not be saved. The horse was uninjured in the fall.

Philippa Humphreys lived in Rockford, Michigan, and had been competing at three-star level on the US circuit for the past two years with Rich N Famous. The combination finished fifth in their last outing at the CIC3* in Elkton, Maryland last month.

“All of us connected with the Jersey Fresh International are deeply saddened by today’s tragic news and we extend our condolences to Philippa’s husband, Peter, and to her entire family,” Chairman of the Jersey Fresh Three-Day Event Dan Wunderlich said.

“This was a terrible accident resulting in the tragic loss of an experienced rider,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “Philippa Humphreys was a cherished member of the eventing community and her death must not go unmarked. Our top priority at all FEI events is the safety of our riders and horses, and the circumstances of this terrible accident will be fully investigated so that we can learn from it and use the findings to minimise the risks in our sport.

“On behalf of the FEI and the global eventing community, I would like to express our very sincere condolences to Philippa Humphrey’s husband, Peter, to her family and her many friends in the sport, both in the USA and in Britain.”

Originally from Chester, Cheshire, Humphreys moved to the United States in 2005. She leaves behind her husband Peter, daughter Millie, and many friends and family.

According to the Jersey Fresh International, horse #8, Inoui Van Bost, ridden in the CCI2* by Skylar Decker, was also seriously injured in a fall (at Fence 19) and later euthanized.

The eventing community has taken to social media to express their condolences to the Humphreys family.

https://twitter.com/Battlebackeq/status/731599736474468352

RIP, Philippa.

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