THE British eventing fraternity were mourning last week after the death of 15-year-old Iona Sclater, who sadly died in a riding accident at home on Sunday, August 11th.

Long-listed for the 2017 and 2019 European Championships for Ponies, 15-year-old Iona was an exceptionally talented and dedicated young event rider. In just five seasons competing with British Eventing, Iona amassed 33 top 10 results and represented the Eastern region four times at the Under 18 Regional Team Championships (2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019).

Iona’s impressive results this season to secure her a place on the Pony European Championships long-list, included taking second place in the Pony Trial at Weston Park (1) and fourth in the Pony Trial at Lincolnshire Horse Trials in April, both on her pony Foxtown Cufflynx.

A statement from British Eventing said: “Our thoughts are with Iona’s friends and family, her parents Charles and Hetty, and sisters Lara and Alicia, at this very difficult time.”

On the same day, 32-year-old American event rider Jennifer Chapin suffered fatal injuries in a rotational fall at an event in Vermont, USA. She fell while warming-up for the cross-country and was taken to hospital but could not be saved.