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Deaths Threaten Equestrian Event

12 deaths and Olympian's critical injury causes debate over risks

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 9, 2008 8:35 AM CDT

(Newser) – Twelve deaths and several injuries have spurred debate over the safety of the demanding equestrian sport known as "eventing," the New York Times reports. The sport, considered by many to be the ultimate test of horse and rider, grabbed the spotlight last month when one of the world's finest riders nearly died in a fall.

The equestrian, formerly a likely candidate for this year's US Olympic team, spent a week in a coma and may never ride again. Few safety measures are taken in eventing, which combines a grueling cross-country race with dressage and jumping. Cross-country courses are becoming increasingly dangerous, causing horses to stumble. "The trends are totally unacceptable," the head of the US Eventing Association wrote to members.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

Italy's Stefano Brecciaroli falls with his horse Cappa Hill during the cross country eventing of the CCI 4* tournament in Luhmuehlen, Germany, on Saturday, June 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Fabian Bimmer)

Darren Chiacchia, aboard Dun To A T, competes at the Red Hills Horse Trials Friday, March 14, 2008. He later fell from his horse and was critically injured. (AP Photo/Tallahassee Democrat, Phil Sears)

Chiacchia, a 2004 U.S. Olympic equestrian team member, was critically injured during an event Saturday, March 15, 2008 in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Tallahassee Democrat, Phil Sears)

Brazil's Saulo Tristao pats his "Totsie" after making no errors during the final jumping portion of the eventing equestrian competition at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

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Darren Chiacchia competes in the Wit's End Horse Trials 2007. (CanadianEventer)

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Deaths Threaten Equestrian Event