"I just want to learn everything I can about it. I want to keep going with it,” the girl had previously said about her passion for the sport.
A young Florida equestrian talent was killed tragically over the weekend when the horse she was riding fell on her head after knocking her off. The incident occurred on Sunday, April 30th at Fox Lea Farms in Sarasota while Hannah Serfass, 15, was in the middle of a riding and jumping exercise, according to the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation). The statement released by the communication department reads, “It is with our deepest sympathy the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces that Hannah Serfass suffered a fatal accident yesterday, April 30, while competing at the Fox Lea Farm Spring Concours I in Venice, Fla.”
According to deputies, the horse leaned forward after clumsily placing a foot, which caused Serfass to fall from the animal and onto the ground. As shocked onlookers rushed to the young rider's aid until help arrived, the horse by then fell on top of her head. At Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Serfass was declared dead after being transported there. Serfass' death, according to Fox Lea Farms, has devastated the neighborhood's equestrian scene. According to a March magazine feature in the New York Post previously, Serfass was regarded as a rising star in the equestrian community and had a "meteoric" rise up the ranks.
Expressing their deep regret in the sorrowful accident and loss of a rising star the federation wrote, “Hannah from Webster, Fla., was a very talented up-and-coming young rider who trained with Robin Swinderman. She was known for her passion for horses, her natural ability, and her work ethic,” as they spoke of the achievements and passions of the young girl.
“The USEF, USHJA, and Fox Lea Farm team wish to extend our deepest condolences to Hannah’s family, support team, and friends,” added the farm team as they paid tribute to Serfass. The teen was a promising sports person and her demise came across as an unexpectedly grieving event for the family and community. In an exclusive word with the World Equestrian Center, Serfass had earlier said, “I just got into it and never wanted to stop. 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 by the name of Quaxx, sustained no harm. Addressing the important subjects of security and safety of practicing players the federation stated, “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 World Equestrian Center – Ocala shared a post with a prayer for the untimely gone soul. “The World Equestrian Center family joins the entire equestrian community in expressing sincere condolences to the family, friends, trainers, and host facility on the tragic loss of a talented young rider. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. Heaven gained an angel,” reads the Facebook tribute.
References:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/statement-regarding-rider-fatality-at-fox-lea
https://www.facebook.com/wecocala/photos/a.2024432757778293/3726581957563356
Cover Image Source: Facebook | RSM Equestrian, LLC
