A rising Florida equestrian star died in a tragic accident over the weekend after the horse she was riding knocked her off and then toppled on her head, officials said.
Hannah Serfass, 15, was competing at Fox Lea Farms in Sarasota on Sunday and was halfway through a riding and jumping event when the accident happened, the United States Equestrian Federation said.
Deputies said the horse leaned forward at one point after awkwardly planting its foot, propelling Serfass off the animal and onto the ground.
The horse then fell on top of the young rider’s head as shocked onlookers rushed to her aid until emergency crews arrived.
Serfass was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
“Hannah from Webster, Fla., was a very talented up-and-coming young rider who trained with Robin Swinderman,” read a statement from the US Equestrian Federation. “She was known for her passion for horses, her natural ability, and her work ethic.”
Fox Lea Farms said Serfass’ death has crushed the local equestrian community.
“We send our sincere condolences to the family, trainer, friends, & the whole equestrian community. We are all heartbroken,” the farm said in a statement.
Serfass was considered a rising figure in the equestrian world and had a “meteoric” ascent in the sport, according to a March magazine profile.
“I just got into it and never wanted to stop,” Serfass told World Equestrian Center. “And now, I just want to learn everything I can about it. I want to keep going with it.”
The horse, a 12-year-old gelding named Quaxx, was not injured.
“The Federation takes every accident very seriously and will be reviewing the accident thoroughly to learn what we can do to minimize risk and increase safety in equestrian sport,” the organization said in a statement.