A PROFOUND sense of shock and sadness has engulfed the entire Irish equestrian community with the tragic loss of one of Ireland's brightest stars in a team training exercise yesterday afternoon (Wednesday).

Tributes are being paid online this morning to Tiggy Hancock (15), widely acknowledged as one of Ireland's - and the sport of eventing's - rising stars. A brief death notice has been posted this morning by her devastated family on www.rip.ie.

Tiggy was taking part in team training at Greenogue Equestrian in Rathcoole at the time of the tragic incident which involved a fall at approximately 2pm yesterday afternoon.

Emergency services of Gardai and ambulance personnel were quickly on the scene to help. The young rider was rushed to hospital but heartbreakingly, nothing could be done to save her.

Tiggy's untimely loss has devastated her family and friends, her team mates and coaches and the sympathies and thoughts of the equestrian community are with them all at this very difficult time.

A member of Kilkenny Pony Club, Tiggy's glittering showing, show jumping and eventing career culminated in being part of Team Ireland's bronze medal winning team at the pony European Championships in 2019 with Coppenagh Spring Sparrow.

Last August at Kilguilkey International, Tiggy and Monarch of the Glen won the CCI1* Intro and only earlier this month, she was fourth in the CCI2*-S at Millstreet International with Coppenagh Spring Sparrow.

HSI statement issued

A statement released this morning by Horse Sport Ireland said: "Horse Sport Ireland wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Tiggy Hancock (15) who died on Wednesday afternoon (June 16th) following a tragic accident at a squad training event in Greenogue, Dublin.

"Tiggy was a highly talented young athlete and a respected member of our Pony High Performance Eventing Programme. A keen equestrian for many years as a member of the Carlow and Kilkenny Hunt Pony Club and very successful Working Hunter Pony competitor, Tiggy only began Eventing in the autumn of 2018, making an immediate mark on the sport.

"Following a run of impressive performances in 2019, she was selected to represent Ireland at the Under 16 European Eventing Team Championships in Poland, where she and her team mates secured a team bronze medal. Only recently, Tiggy has impressed against senior counterparts in the CCI2* S in Millstreet with Coppenagh Spring Sparrow finishing just outside the podium, seeing off seasoned athletes who have competed at European and World level.

"Tiggy was well-liked among both junior and senior members of the Irish equestrian family and her passing will be mourned by all. The Hancock family are known throughout Ireland for their commitment to the equestrian community and those who know them will share in their grief.

"The loss of a young person is all always particularly hard to comprehend. This will be a difficult time for many of Tiggy’s team mates and friends in the sport. Horse Sport Ireland have a designated support person to assist individuals affected, and would encourage them or their parents to come forward to seek support. Please email: support@horsesportireland.ie

"HSI would ask that the family’s request for privacy at this time is respected."

The Irish Field extends its deepest sympathies to Tiggy's family and friends at this time.