Equestrian Canada has released the following statement following a tragic trailer accident involving horses travelling from Manitoba and Alberta to Thunderbird Show Park in BC for the western division of the National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships:
“It is with profound sadness that Equestrian Canada (EC) and Thunderbird Show Park acknowledge the tragic vehicle accident the afternoon of Tuesday, October 6, involving members of our community traveling from Manitoba and Alberta to the EC National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships (West) in Langley, BC. We mourn the loss of three horses with the fourth having been immediately transported for veterinary treatment.
Our equestrian community functions as a close-knit family, and a sudden loss of this magnitude is felt deeply by every rider, coach, groom, and owner across the country. EC extends its heartfelt sympathies to the riders, owners, families, and the entire support team surrounding these beloved horses.
Equestrian Canada has reached out to the athletes and owners involved and has extended them mental health support through our Game Plan partnership. For anyone struggling during this time, reach out to the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport or call 2-1-1 to find services near you. Kids Help Phone is also available at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.”
The 73-year-old driver was towing a trailer containing the four horses when she lost control and collided with a rock wall about 40 kilometres east of Revelstoke, BC, according to police, but did not sustain any serious injuries. Three of the horses involved were from Solace Stables in Headingley, Manitoba; the fatalities included Fearless, ridden by High Performance coach Mackenzie Taylor Abbott; Rosaria, owned by Kate Wall, and Lino Van Het Hevelhot Z (‘Clark’), owned by Sheila Duchek of Okotoks. Flirtation EC (Flirty), owned by Katherine Page, survived the crash and was transported to a vet clinic in Kelowna for emergency care.
Mackenzie Abbott wrote on Facebook, “There are truly no words for what we are feeling right now. I don’t think I have even begun to comprehend that this is real. I ask for prayers while we try to process what has happened and grieve this unimaginable loss, as well as prayers for Katherine’s horse Flirty who survived but will require recovery mentally and physically. I loved my horses more than I could ever explain. My heart is completely shattered.”
In light of this tragedy, funds raised from the West Red and White Party and auction on Friday night, October 9, will go to support the athletes, owners and support teams affected. Tickets are still available and the online auction is open to anyone, anywhere; the donations portal will stay open past the end of the Auction. Purchase tickets and/or access the online auction here. A GoFundMe has also been set up by a friend of Mackenzie’s, Kali Dobel, here.
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