On Sunday, a 15-year-old girl from Central Florida named Hannah Serfass died after a horseback riding accident during a hunter/jumper competition at Fox Lea Farm in south Sarasota County. The United States Equestrian Federation released a statement saying that the horse tripped and fell, causing the accident, which was unrelated to a jumping effort.
Serfass was riding Quaxx 2, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, at the time. Serfass, who was from Webster, was homeschooled and participated in extracurricular activities, including track, at Wildwood Middle High School. The Sumter County School District expressed condolences, stating that the track team was very connected with her.
The federation, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, and Fox Lea Farm also extended their condolences to Serfass’s family. The federation will be reviewing the accident to identify ways to minimize risk and increase safety in equestrian sports. Serfass’s horse tripped and fell after landing successfully and taking a few steps to the next hurdle during the competition.
The horse leaned down significantly towards its left front hoof, causing the rider to fall off and onto the ground. The horse then fell on top of the rider’s head, resulting in her death. Fox Lea Farm personnel and others provided first aid until Sarasota County Fire Rescue arrived, but Serfass was later pronounced dead at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice campus.
Hannah Serfass was a talented and disciplined rider who competed in several competitions, including the winter 2022 circuit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala and competitions in Michigan.
