Junior rider Hannah Serfass, 15, Webster, Florida, was killed Sunday, April 30, in an accident at a horse show in Venice, Florida.
Serfass was riding Quaxx 2, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, in an equitation class at the Venice Hunter Jumper Spring Concours I at Fox Lea Farm when the horse tripped and suffered a rotational fall, the U.S. Equestrian Federation said in a statement, noting the fall was unrelated to a jumping effort. The emergency medical technician responded immediately, and Serfass was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The horse was uninjured in the accident.
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“Hannah … was a very talented up-and-coming young rider who trained with Robin Swinderman. She was known for her passion for horses, her natural ability, and her work ethic,” the USEF statement said. “The USEF, U.S. [Hunter Jumper Association] and Fox Lea Farm team wish to extend our deepest condolences to Hannah’s family, support team, and friends.
“The Federation takes every accident very seriously and will be reviewing the accident thoroughly to learn what we can do to minimize risk and increase safety in equestrian sport,” the statement continued.
