British rider dies after Burghley Horse Trials accident

Cheshire rider Caroline Pratt, 42, of Middlewich, has died in hospital after being injured during the Burghley Horse Trials in Lincolnshire.

Pratt was hurt when her horse, Primitive Streak, fell at a fence called The Lake Crossing.

A police spokesman said: “It appears that the horse fell on top of her and she suffered serious crush injuries. She was taken to the Peterborough District Hospital by road ambulance where she later died.”

One onlooker said: “It was a most awful looking fall. It appeared that she fell into the water and her horse fell on to her.”

Pratt had previously been on the British Olympic long list and had competed at European level and at Badminton.

Jane Holderness-Roddam, Chairman of British Eventing said: “On behalf of the whole sport, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Caroline’s family. The thoughts and prayers of eventing people all over the country are with them at this sad time.”

Caroline Pratt Memorial Bursary awarded for final time

November 25, 2008

West Yorkshire rider Gemma Hoare is this year’s recipient of the Caroline Pratt Memorial Bursary, awarded in memory of the British eventer who was killed during the Burghley Horse Trials in 2004.

Hoare, 30, received a £2000 training grant, and is delighted with the recognition. “I admired Caroline’s riding career for many years, and winning the bursary that is dedicated to her is a real honour. This bursary will help to improve my best horse, Spring Valentine, with whom I am hoping to reach Advanced. I’d like to thank my family and team on the yard for all their support.”

A recent convert to eventing, having previously had considerable success showjumping, Hoare runs a livery and teaching business with her sister and is currently developing a team of young horses. She recently passed her BHSI examination and receives training from Gaye Bartle and Ruth Edge.

The 15 riders who had applied for the bursary attended a selection day and were assessed and interviewed by a panel of top riders and trainers, led by Lucinda Green.

The bursary was set up to help and encourage an up-and-coming young rider who could demonstrate that they possessed some of the talent, drive and strength of character that was so evident in Caroline. Previous recipients, Hannah Bate, Emily Gilruth and Fiona Jonason have all benefited from the extra training bursary.

This year is the final time that the bursary is awarded, but as the standard of applicants this year was exceptionally high, four reserve bursaries were also awarded. These were given to riders who it was felt came extremely close to fulfilling all of the required criteria and who would all benefit from the extra help. These riders all received a bursary of £500 each. The four riders who benefited are Charlotte Cundall from Driffield, Yorkshire; Amy Lennon from Crewe, Cheshire; Carrie Byrom from Parbold, Lancashire and Martyn Johnson from Belford, Northumberland.