Parents of Olivia Inglis speak of ‘beautiful young woman’ as family horse is euthanised

PEOPLE around the world are paying tribute to Olivia Inglis after the rising equestrian star was tragically crushed to death.

Arthur Inglis's daughter is Olivia Inglis who was killed in an Equestrian accident

THOUSANDS around the world are paying tribute to Olivia Inglis after the rising equestrian star was tragically crushed to death by her horse on Sunday morning.

The 17-year-old was competing in a horseriding competition in the NSW Hunter Valley when she fell off during a jump.

A social media campaign is calling for people to share photos of themselves with their horse, using the hashtag #RideForOlivia, and has already been met with an overwhelming response.

#RideForOlivia pic.twitter.com/83GQ9j94fF

— Inglis (@inglis_sales) March 8, 2016

It comes the same day the Inglis family confirmed that Coriolanus, the “much loved” family horse Olivia had been riding when she fell, had to be euthanised due to the catastrophic injuries sustained in the accident.

Coriolanus tripped after catching his knee on a fence less than halfway into the cross-country course of the Scone Horse Trials in the Hunter Valley. An oncourse paramedic and doctor rushed to save Olivia — the Westpac rescue helicopter was also used — but she could not be revived.

Arthur Inglis's daughter is Olivia Inglis who was killed in an Equestrian accident.

Olivia’s heartbroken parents Charlotte and Arthur Inglis, of the renowned Inglis horse breeding dynasty, have spoken of their pride in the “beautiful young woman”, thanking family and friends for their support.

“We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and sympathy from family and friends throughout the school, equestrian and thoroughbred communities,” they said in a statement.

“We are so proud of Olivia and the beautiful young woman she was in every way. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to share our passion for horses with our children.

“This has led us on a great journey where we have been able to spend countless happy moments and special family times. So much to celebrate and a life so joyous and well lived.”

Olivia Inglis. Picture: Facebook

Equestrian Australia’s Judy Fasher released a statement on Sunday after the accident: “It is with the deepest regret we announce that Olivia Inglis suffered a tragic accident while competing in the cross-country phase at the Scone Horse Trials,” Ms Fasher said.

“The Scone Horse Trials committee and Equestrian Australia offer their heartfelt condolences to Charlotte and Arthur Inglis and their family for their tragic loss and request their privacy be respected at this time.”

It was first thought that Coriolanus was not seriously injured, but a statement from the family said X-rays revealed he suffered injuries “much worse than originally reported” including a displaced fracture in his neck, and had to be put down.

Counselling has been offered for people who witnessed the accident.

The funeral for Olivia, who went to Frensham School in Mittagong, will be at St Jude’s Anglican Church in Randwick, and afterwards at the Inglis stables at Newmarket.

The photos shared as part of the moving tribute will be used to make a mosaic print for the Inglis family, with hundreds of the individual images compiled to create one large photo of Olivia on her horse.

My thoughts & prayers are with the Inglis family-may the memory of Olivia live forever in our hearts #rideforolivia pic.twitter.com/XeIf5XEhN1

— Andrew Hoy (@HoyEventing) March 8, 2016

Join the tribute for Olivia Inglis, the young event rider tragically killed in Australia 😢 #rideforolivia pic.twitter.com/MrqxWMYf4J

— Laura Collett (@CollettEventing) March 8, 2016

#rideforolivia
Please join us in sharing a photo of your horse to unite and support the loss of Olivia Inglis RIP pic.twitter.com/5g4VtgbHlv

— UOW Equestrian Team (@UOWEquestrian) March 8, 2016