This statement is posted on the behalf of Spring Bay Horse Trials and Organizer Mary Fike.
Lexington, Ky - We are sad to report that National du Pas died today while competing in the Training division at Spring Bay Horse Trials in Lexington, Kentucky. The cause of death is unknown at this point pending necropsy. The horse collapsed between obstacles (i.e. not related to a fence or jump) while on the cross-country course today. Rider Blake Park was not injured in the fall, but was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center for observation.
National du Pas, a 15-year-old Selle Francais gelding owned by Elizabeth Stewart, passed away between fences 11 and 12. According to USEF and USEA policies, the horse was transported to the Kentucky Diagnostic Lab for necropsy, which will be utilized to help further the USEA Equine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Study.
The USEA sends our heartfelt condolences to Blake, Elizabeth and all of National du Pas’ connections on this difficult day.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to offer the USEA Adult Team Championships (ATC) at the upcoming USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds. The AEC will take place at Galway Downs in Temecula, California, from Wednesday, Aug. 27, to Sunday, Aug. 31.
Seventeen-year-old Carolyn Rice, a high school junior from Johns Creek, Georgia, has spent the last 10 years riding at Willow South Riding School—the very place where she first sat on a horse. What started as a casual introduction quickly became a lifelong passion.
A field of top veteran riders is entered in this year’s Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier, at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.
Trainers are some of the most important people in our lives. They develop our skills, ensure that our horses receive quality care, and look out for our best interests as equestrians.