There is no denying the fact that Equestrian sports offer amusement to their spectators. Yet, the dangers associated with the sport can’t be overlooked. Both, riders and their equine companions, face major falls which lead to fatal injuries during the sport. A 9-year-old girl, locally named Bonnie Armitage suffered one such tragic fall from her pony.
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A passionate rider, Bonnie was performing at a trail-hunting event in 2016 with the Cotswold Hunt in Gloucestershire when the tragic event unfolded. The girl was brutally injured during the incident and airlifted to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
The unfortunate episode of Bonnie Armitage being injured by a bigger horse
According to The Independent, a source described how the accident occurred. The girl was riding on her pony, a little behind a bigger horse. Bonnie suffered a fall when the bigger animal kicked at her pony. The child was fatally injured when she was caught up by the huge horse.
The paramedics were called to the farm in Miserden at 11:25 A.M after the accident. The girl’s condition was life-threatening and she later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s spokesperson confirmed that they have attended to the scene with a “rapid-response vehicle, an ambulance crew, a doctor and an officer, and the air ambulance.”
The event management canceled the trail hunting upon learning the tragic news, and the hounds were taken home. The loss of the family was overwhelming, and was acknowledged by the Cotswold Hunt team.
Bonnie Armitage was beautiful and compassionate, says the bereaved family
Bonnie’s family described her as “a beautiful, vivacious and compassionate girl who touched the hearts of everyone who knew her” in a statement released after her demise. They recollected that she enjoys riding and was “never happier“, than when with Lindsay, her Shetland pony. Polly, Bonnie’s mother, stated that the incident was “ just a tragic accident,” and no one is to blame for their child’s untimely demise.
The Cotswold Hunt was quick to express their grief over the loss of a young life by issuing a statement “ over-shadowed by the tragic death of a nine-year-old child.” The hunt’s joint masters in a statement acknowledged that the child was injured fatally in the hunting field and passed away even after rigorous efforts by the Paramedics and Air Ambulance Team.
Watch the story here: Horrifying video captured an equestrian hitting horse right before the event leading to strong repercussions once
Events of tragic falls are common when riding a horse! Recently a rider Teo Nugent had to euthanize his horse Fluorescent Star after a tragic fall. But the loss of a young life, leaves immense pain to the family of the bereaved.
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Edited by
Anupama Ghosh