'Up-And-Coming' Equestrian Rider, 15, Killed In Florida Competition Accident

A 15-year-old equestrian rider died after the horse she was riding tripped, threw her to the ground and then fell onto her head during a weekend competition in Venice, Florida.

Hannah Serfass was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital following the horror accident at the Fox Lea Farm Spring Concours I on Sunday. She was pronounced dead, reported the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

The U.S. Equestrian Federation paid tribute to Serfass as “a very talented up-and-coming rider” with a “passion for horses,” a “natural ability” and a hard work ethic.

“The USEF, USHJA, and Fox Lea Farm team wish to extend our deepest condolences to Hannah’s family, support team, and friends,” the USEF said in a statement.

The fall “was unrelated to a jumping effort,” the federation noted. The group said it would review the incident “thoroughly to learn what we can do to minimize risk and increase safety in equestrian sport.”

The horse, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding named Quaxx, was not injured.