27/04/2009

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)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 February 2020
Man Dies In Co Down Collision
A pedestrian has died following a road collision in Downpatrick, Co Down. The Flying Horse Road was closed for some time after the crash on Sunday evening, 02 February. The teenager is the ninth individual to lose his life on Northern Ireland's roads this year. Police said the crash happened at around 6.35pm.
31 May 2013
L'Derry Hotel Invests In New Facilities
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced a £240,000 investment by the White Horse Hotel in Londonderry in new facilities. The substantial investment, supported by Invest Northern Ireland, will create three new jobs and is part of a £1.2 million expansion.
10 September 2008
Report Investigates Horse Breeding Project Failures
A Northern Ireland audit report has revealed an innovative Co Fermanagh horse breeding project collapsed, despite receiving a grant of more than £3 million. The Irish Sport Horse Genetic Testing Unit was set up in 1996 as an ambitious project to breed elite performance horses. Despite receiving £3.
31 May 2018
Superbike Rider Dan Kneen Killed In TT Crash
Superbike rider Dan Kneen, aged 30, has died in a crash at the Isle of Man TT. He sustained fatal injuries during the event's Superbike qualifying session on Wednesday, 30 May. The accident happened at the Churchtown section on the first lap of the session. Mr Kneen had been riding for Tyco BMW, a Northern Ireland-based team.
13 January 2009
Newry Firm Gallops Off On Export Race
Newry company Horse First is on course to more than double its export turnover thanks to support from Invest Northern Ireland. Horse First manufactures a range of mineral and vitamin supplements designed to promote the health, calmness and all-round wellbeing of horses.