Local Rider Dies In Horse Trials

A top local equestrian journalist has paid tribute to a professional rider who has died after falling from his horse. Co Armagh-based Ruth Loney was commenting after the tragedy during an eventing competition in Lincolnshire at the weekend.

She said that Ian Olding, originally from Carrickfergus, but living in Sandbach, Cheshire, died at the Belton Horse Trial.

She described Mr Olding, 47, as a much-respected rider who was a familiar figure around Northern Ireland when he was training horses prior to moving to England.

Mr Olding was riding his 12-year-old horse Gran-Kiki when the accident happened at the event.

Ms Loney said: "He had been a professional horse trials rider in Belfast and at Richhill Equestrian Centre, Co Armagh before moving to England."

She confirmed that the horse fell on top of the rider, in what is known as a 'rotational' fall, and later died from his injuries.

He had been competing in was the advanced section of the trials. After he fell at a fence in the deadly incident, organisers made the decision to carry on and complete the trials event, despite the tragedy.

A statement on the official British Eventing website today notes that Mr Olding was riding his and Mrs Sue Kirkpatrick's horse, Gran-Kiki, an experienced 12-year-old horse.

The accident - which happened at fence 13a, a square-spread fence - is now under investigation.

The statement continued with Mrs Alex Fox, Chairman of British Eventing commenting: "Our sympathies on this sad day are with Ian's family.

"Ian was a well-known and much respected rider, who has been competing for many years. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

(BMCC/JM)