Inquest into Horse Trials Begins

TODAY a two week inquest into the deaths of Olivia Inglis and Caitlyn Fischer began in Lidcombe Coroner’s Court.

Olivia, a 17 year old, died at the Scone Horse Trials on March after her horse Coriolanus hit a jump, fell and crushed her.

On April 30, the equine community was rocked again by the death of 19 year old Caitlyn Fischer at the Sydney International Horse Trials when her horse fell on her causing head injuries and killing her instantly.

The inquest will consider how safety standards may be improved and if there was anything which could have been done to have prevented the deaths including the particulars of each course.

Olivia’s mother, Charlotte Inglis is expected to give evidence at the inquest including her account of the course on the day her daughter died and concerns she raised at the time with Olympic champion Shane Rose, about the combination jump of 8A and 8B, which had a downward approach.

The incident with Olivia occurred on jump 8B.

Derek Lee, Deputy State Coroner, extended his personal condolences to the families and friends of Olivia and Caitlyn and a statement from Equestrian Australia said the organisation was deeply sorry for the loss of the two young riders and seeks to provide the safest possible environment for all riders.

Following the deaths collapsible pins are used on certain jumps, to fold in and collapse if they are struck, reducing the risk of a “rotational fall” which occurred with both young riders.

In April 2017, Equestrian Australia employed a full time safety officer for the first time.

Related Stories:

• Tragedy at Horse Trials – March 6, 2016;
• Young Rider Olivia Inglis – March 6, 2016;
• Statement from Inglis – March 8, 2016;
• Police Update Olivia Inglis – March 8, 2016;
• Local People #RideForOlivia – March 9, 2016;
• Olivia’s Lasting Legacy -March 7, 2017.