The Fédération Equestre Internationale confirmed Sept. 10 that Nikita Sotskov of Russia suffered a fatal accident while competing at the Ratomka Horse Trials, Minsk, Belarus. 

Sotskov and his horse Larry Carlton suffered a rotational fall at fence 21, the second-to-last obstacle on the CIC*** course. On-site medical specialists were at the scene immediately after the accident, but the rider could not be saved. The horse was examined by an official veterinarian and treated for a minor injury to its left hind leg.

Sotskov, 21, had been riding internationally since 2010, and he represented Russia at two European Championships, competing at both junior and young rider level. He had extensive two-star experience, with a number of top 10 placings with three horses—Ledok, Ilvina V and Larry Carlton. The Ratomka event was his first three-star outing.

Safety in equestrian sport is a top priority for the FEI and all national federations, and the FEI is working continuously to make the sport as safe as possible for all athletes, both human and equine. The circumstances of today’s accident will be fully reviewed. 

David O’Connor has been nominated to chair the FEI Risk Management working group, which will focus on coordinating initiatives on a global basis, including technology developments, data and statistics, as well as further educational outreach for athletes, course designers, coaches and technical delegates. The working group’s remit is to look at all options to minimize risk factors and is in addition to the FEI’s continual work focused on improving safety in the sport.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we confirm the devastating loss of one of our community in this tragic accident at Ratomka today,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “Nikita Sotskov was one of Russia’s promising young riders, and this news will have a profound effect on all those involved in the sport.

“On behalf of the FEI and the global eventing community, I extend our sincere condolences to Nikita Sotskov’s family and friends in the sport, and to the Russian and Belarusian Equestrian Federations,” Ibáñez added.

“At every FEI event, the maximum consideration is given to the safety and welfare of horses and competitors,” Natallia Yuranava, the president of the ground jury said. “On behalf of the whole sport I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Nikita Sotskov’s family”

The Equestrian Federation of Belarus expresses deepest condolence to the family of Nikita Sotskov.