Eventing Nation: Kentucky event rider dies in riding accident

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Christine Brown of Versailles, Ky., who tragically perished yesterday.

Christine’s husband Dr. Stuart Brown (a vet at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute) came home to find her dead from an apparent riding accident. She was wearing a helmet, but it seems she suffered a fatal fall while jumping alone. Christine had ridden up to Intermediate level, winning a preliminary division at Midsouth Team Challenge in 2010 with her mare Rivella.

From LEX 18 News:

Wednesday morning Brown did as she always had, and practiced jumping her horse. Unfortunately Brown was all alone at home. “It appears the horse crashed into one of the hurdles and threw her off,” said Woodford County Coroner Ronald Owens.

Brown’s husband came home hours later and found the horse wandering the field. “He knew something was wrong because the bridle was broke on it and he went looking for his wife and found her laying in the arena,” said Owens.

It’s a risk all riders take, however it is an accident no one saw coming. “It’s very surprising for here… because it really don’t happen,” said Boyer.

Now as tears are shed, and family moves forward. Friends and neighbors remember the sweet caring woman they loved, who died doing what she loved. “She was always happy always friendly, just really sweet all around and a good horse person,” said Brinsfield.

“I hope her husband is alright, I hope her family is alright, I hope they can get through this,” said Hodge.

The Woodford County Coroner said Brown was wearing her helmet and was an experienced rider. Her autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.

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Update: The coroner’s report has since indicated that Christine died quickly from a broken neck.