Equestrian Canada (EC) has advised that Katharine Morel of Fort Saskatchewan, AB, and her horse, Kerry On, died following an accident on course at the Rocking Horse Winter III Horse Trials in Altoona, FL, on February 29th 2020.
33-year-old Morel and the eight-year-old thoroughbred mare suffered a rotational fall at fence eight of the Intermediate level cross-country course at the United States Eventing Association recognized competition. Morel was immediately transported by Lake County Emergency Medical Services to Waterman Hospital in Tavares, FL, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Kerry On suffered fatal injuries and passed away shortly after the fall.
Morel discovered Kerry On as an off-the-track three-year-old, and together the pair worked their way up the levels to make their FEI debut in 2019.
“Today, the equestrian industry lost not just an exceptional athlete, but an exceptional person, as well as the horse she loved,” said EC High Performance Director, James Hood. “On behalf of EC, I extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Katharine, as well as to the entire team who surrounded Kerry On.”
Equestrian Canada says it is deeply saddened by the news and will work closely in cooperation with their sister federation, US Equestrian, to investigate the fall and continue developing methods to improve safety for riders and horses alike.
