A horse and rider suffered a fall during the first loop of the Endurance competition at Sartilly (FRA) shortly after 8.30 am today. Costa Rican rider Claudia Romero Chacon and Dorado (no 50) fell 400 metres before the first check point on the course. Tragically the horse was fatally injured in the fall. The rider was also injured in the fall, but was conscious when she was taken to hospital by ambulance. An update on her condition will be issued as soon as it is available. The FEI has conducted an immediate investigation into the circumstances of this tragic incident and the investigation shows that the horse struck a tree at the side of the track in a forested area. The horse sustained a head injury and died instantly. There are no signs that the horse slipped prior to the impact. Costa Rican rider Claudia Romero Chacon has undergone surgery for fractures and internal injuries. There were two unrelated incidents in which two riders sustained minor injuries : Isha Judd (URU) suffered a fractured right femur in a fall. Alberto Morales Morales (CRC) was taken to hospital for observation after complaining of neck pain having completed the first loop.
