It’s with sadness that we report Philippa Humphreys has died due to injuries sustained after a fall at the Jersey Fresh International.
The following statement was released by the Jersey Fresh International:
It is with deep regret that we announce that rider #52, Philippa Humphreys, 33, suffered fatal injuries in a fall at fence 16, the table, on the cross country course of the CCI3* at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event. Humphreys, a British citizen living in Rockford, Michigan, was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in nearby Hamilton, NJ, where she was pronounced dead by the attending physician. Her horse, Rich N Famous, was uninjured.
“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,” said Dan Wunderlich, Chairman of the Jersey Fresh Three-Day Event.
In addition to Ms. Humphreys tragic passing, Skyler Decker’s horse Inoui Van Bost was humanely euthanized at a Millstone, NJ Veterinary Clinic after a fall at fence 19 on the CCI** course.
Our thoughts go out to all those touched by these awful tragedies.
May 15, 2016 at 6:45 am
My heartfelt sympathies go out to both the family and friends of Phillipa Humphreys and for the rider and owner of Inoui Van Bost.
Even though the cross country courses are becoming more technical , i do believe that the horses are not being fuelled correctly. I feel that they are running in a dehydrated state which reduces performance.
If these horses are even mildly dehydrated, then they are more likely to become fatigued, once they are, they are more likely to leave a leg behind, which we all know is a major cause for rotational falls.
Owners and riders must be more aware of their horses hydration status at all times as they are asking horses to perform at this incredibly high level and these animals are not designed for jumping such huge, wide and solid obstacles. (Kangaroos with their large hind legs and Impala’s can easily negotiate these size obstacles).
Please spare a thought about your horses hydration and fuel status as it is hugely significant and a fatigues horse is a dangerous horse to be riding.
May 15, 2016 at 9:51 pm
Well said.