Belgian Event Rider tragically killed.

[mbequest]

Experienced Belgian event rider, Dirk Grouwels was tragically killed in the cross country phase of an event held in Belgium at Zutendaal. Thoughts are with family and all concerned. No further details have been released at this stage.

 

[TableDancer]

How desperately sad Thoughts and prayers for family and connections...

 

[mik]

That is awful. Condolences to his family and friends.

 

[kerilli]

So very very sad to hear this. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

 

[Puppy]

So very tragic Thoughts to his friends and family at this terrible time

 

[Bustermartin]

Very, very sad for all concerned. Thoughts are with his family and friends.

 

[lucretia]

God-damn it. what is going wrong with eventing. RIP.

 

[Gonetofrance]

Christ......... this global season has started so badly.........

Thoughts to his friends and family at this awful time.

 

[Cazza263]

Tragic I agree, and thoughts are with his family and friends.

However if the report on H&H website is correct:

"Mr Grouwels' horse refused at a simple fence — the first part of a combination — the rider insisted and the horse somersaulted over the fence," said Tony McPherson, International Equestrian Federation (FEI) safety officer for Belgium."

then this should serve as a reminder to us all to follow BE guidelines (as reiterated to fence judges at every briefing but perhaps not promoted enough to riders) that if a fence is over 30cms in height and the horse stops it should NOT be made to jump from a standstill (fence judges are told to make a note on the scoresheet and the steward will then have a word with the rider concerned afterwards) - it is for our own safety after all.

(runs and hides under the table ...)