United States Eventing Association

The USEA is saddened to report that horsewoman Lefreda Williams died on Aug. 29. She was 87. Williams was a pillar of the North Carolina equestrian community and a founding member of the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, North Carolina.

Andrea Baxter has announced her five-star horse Indy 500 died this week due to complications from foaling. She was 19.

The USEA is saddened to report the passing of Abigail Gille at the age of 75. Gille was a lifelong equestrian who was deeply dedicated to eventing and the United States Pony Club.

The organizing team of the GMHA June H.T. regrets to announce the euthanization of a horse after the completion of competition on June 2, 2024.

The USEA is saddened to share the news of the passing of USEA Hall of Fame member Trish Gilbert at the age of 83. Gilbert was one of the first women to break the barriers facing women competing in the sport of eventing. She had considerable success in the early years of eventing amongst non-military competitors. Gilbert held many titles throughout her years of involvement in the sport; team selector, young rider chairman, event director, licensed eventing official, and more.

The USEA is saddened to report that Canadian eventer Holly Jacks-Smither's five-star horse More Inspiration died on Feb. 19. He was 18. Bred in Canada by Display Farm, the Thoroughbred gelding (Inspired Prospect x Gentle Buck) started 28 times at the track and had four wins.

The USEA is saddened to report the passing of Becky Holder's Thoroughbred gelding Courageous Comet (Comet Shine x Rosnelli). Holder said goodbye to "Comet" on Feb. 8 at her Windhaven Farm in Wadesboro, North Carolina. He was 28.

The USEA is heartbroken to share the passing of the 22-year-old Saddlebred/Thoroughbred cross Bendigo (by Refuse to Lose). Bendigo was owned by Jeni Klugman and self-produced by U.S.-based Australian rider Ema Klugman to the five-star level.

The USEA is saddened to share the passing of the 2023 USEA Ironmaster Award winner Karen Nyrop. Karen was known around the country for not only her services as a veterinarian, but also as a passionate horsewoman and a very dear friend. She was always quick to accept the call of duty and offer up her time as a delegate for FEI veterinary commissions at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Maryland 5 Star, and countless other competitions in both the United States and Canada. KAren was actively involved with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and the USEA Equine Safety and Welfare Committee.

The USEA is sad to report that Mr. Medicott (Cruising x Slieveluachra) passed away on September 17 at Ms. Jacqueline Mars’ Stonehall Farm in Virginia where he has enjoyed his retirement since 2019. The Irish Sport Horse gelding made quite the mark on the sport of eventing in the U.S., completing more than 50 FEI events over the course of his career with five different riders and finishing in the top 10 at 30 of those competitions. Mr. Medicott attended two Olympic Games and one World Equestrian Games for two different countries over the course of his career. “Cave,” as he was known around the barn, was 24 years old at the time of his death.