British Eventing charity extends mental health support following death of two riders
Specialist bereavement and trauma support is being made available to anyone impacted by the accidents in Oxfordshire and Cumbria
Last updated 21st Jul 2026
A charity supporting the British eventing community has extended its mental health services to anyone affected by the deaths of two riders at separate events on Saturday.
British Eventing confirmed the deaths of 34-year-old Sophie Fouracre, who was fatally injured in a cross-country accident at Swalcliffe Park in Oxfordshire, and 42-year-old Kerry Donoghue, who died following a separate cross-country accident at Penrith in Cumbria.
Reviews into both incidents are due to take place in line with British Eventing procedures.
Jane Hunter-Walsh, Executive Director of the British Eventing Support Trust, said the whole eventing community had been affected by the tragedies.
"It's always devastating when you have a tragic loss like that in the sport," she said.
"First and foremost, the thoughts go out to the family and the friends, but also to the event organisers, everybody who was at that event in any capacity – whether that's volunteering, officiating, commentating, spectating or simply enjoying what is a fantastic sport."
The charity has partnered with Sporting Chance to provide specialist counselling and mental health support, with access to a nationwide network of around 280 counsellors, many of whom have experience supporting people through grief, bereavement and traumatic events.
Ms Hunter-Walsh said it was important that people did not dismiss their own feelings if they had witnessed the incidents.
"Please come forward. We are here to help in large and small ways," she said.
"Sometimes people come to us and just having a conversation with somebody from the charity or Sporting Chance is enough. We can also give guidance on how to look after yourself. We can't take care of everybody else unless we take care of ourselves."
The British Eventing Support Trust says it will proactively contact organisers, officials and volunteers who were involved in the events, but is encouraging anyone else affected to get in touch.
People can access support through the charity's 24-hour mental health helpline on 07780 008 877, or contact the British Eventing Support Trust directly on 0333 335 5604 for advice and referrals to specialist counselling services.