Australia’s equestrian community has united on social media to support the family of a teenager crushed by her horse.
Olivia Inglis, 17, died on Sunday morning after her horse Coriolanus fell on her during a failed jump at the Scone Horse Trials in the Hunter Valley. On-field paramedics rushed to her aid but she was unable to be revived. The horse has since been put down following severe injuries.
The international equestrian community is paying tribute to Olivia through a social media campaign, calling on people to share photos of themselves with their horses accompanied by the hashtag #RideForOlivia.
“It’s just a tragedy seeing someone so young with a bright future ahead of her just taken away in the blink of an eye,” jockey Tommy Berry told The Newsroom. “It will be a tough time for her family but rest assured that the racing industry will be behind her family the whole way.”
All photos shared in the #RideForOlivia campaign will be used to create a mosaic for the Inglis family, one of Australia’s best known horse-racing dynasties.
Equine business management student Eliza Babazogli believes the tragedy “shows how close-knit the equestrian community is on a local, national and international scale.”
“The support has been overwhelming and puts our passionate sport into perspective,” Ms Babazogli said.
The hashtag is currently trending on Twitter worldwide.
Devastating hearing another young rider was killed in such a tragic accident, you forget how dangerous the sport can be… 💙 #rideforolivia
— Breanna ✨ (@BeaniePaterson) March 8, 2016
#rideforolivia ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kPHsmtS8sq
— Kate Brockman (@kate_brockman) March 8, 2016
Mark Webster, CEO of Inglis (Australian Thoroughbred auctioneers) praised the social media support.
Thanks to everyone who has shown their support for #rideforolivia , so far 3.2 million people have engaged on social media around the world
— Mark Webster (@MarkWebsterCEO) March 9, 2016
Well-respected horse trainer Lee Freedman also sent his condolences to the Inglis family.
Devastating news of Olivia Inglis's fall at something she loved. Heartfelt condolences to Arthur and Charlotte.
— Lee Freedman (@freedman_lee) March 6, 2016
Olivia’s parents Arthur and Charlotte Inglis commented: “We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and sympathy from family and friends throughout the school, equestrian and thoroughbred communities. We are so proud of Olivia and the beautiful young woman she was in every way.” – Jessica Staveley
Image of Olivia Inglis riding among clouds from Allira Fontana’s Facebook page.
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Journalism student at Macleay College, interested in music, film, photography and travel.
