Fearless Sarah leaves memories to treasure

JUST days before her sudden death Sarah Rose Beltz was full of life, celebrating her 16th birthday with her closest friends and family.

Hobart meningococcal victim Sarah Rose Beltz has been remembered as a fearless girl, with a big heart and a strong love for horses.

JUST days before her sudden death Sarah Rose Beltz was full of life, celebrating her 16th birthday with her closest friends and family.

Sarah’s parents Belinda and Nick have remembered their only child, affectionately known as ‘Sarz’, ‘Sarah Bear’ and ‘RaRa’, as a fearless girl, with a big heart and a strong love for horses.

“She had her 16th birthday party on July 7 and a few days later she got sick,” Mrs Beltz told the Mercury.

“She was such a tough kid and it all happened so quickly. I will miss having her here, seeing her smile every day and watching her riding on the arena, cuddling her horses and laying with them on the paddock.

“Hold your loved ones close because you never know when they’ll be gone.”

Sarah Beltz competing in an equestrian event. Picture: SUPPLIED

Sarah passed away from meningococcal disease just hours after being rushed to emergency early on Thursday morning.

“The Royal Hobart Hospital had a room full of people trying to help her, they did absolutely everything they could,” Mr Beltz said.

Sarah Beltz during an equestrian competition. Picture: SUPPLIED

On Friday, those closest to her will say their final farewells during “a party to celebrate her life” at the C3 Convention Centre in South Hobart.

Her heartbroken parents spoke of how much their “good girl” loved music, fake tan and taking selfies on Snapchat.

She would often spend mornings at Criterion Street Cafe with her mum and nights riding in her dad’s GMC truck listening to “bangers” on the radio. Memories they said they will treasure forever.

“She had no fear,” Mr Beltz said of his daughter.

“She was just a lovely girl with such a big heart. Once she knew she wanted something, she would do whatever she possibly could to get it. She would work her guts out to be as good as she possibly could.”

Hold your loved ones close because you never know when they’ll be gone.

Sarah Beltz with her horse “Nigs” and a sketch of the horse by Sarah’s auntie Debi. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Despite still being in high school, Sarah had nearly finished her horse coaching certificate and had started teaching everyone from young children to women in their 40s how to ride.

After her classes she would spend every spare moment training her own ponies Mintie and Nigs for upcoming equestrian competitions, something she started when she was just 12.

“She was a natural and lived for her horses,” Mrs Beltz said. “She hated school. Her big plan was to travel to the UK to ride in contests overseas.

“She’d hop on anyone’s horse, even though she was one of the youngest riders. She wasn’t competitive, she always strived to better herself.”

Sarah won the distinguished Open Small Show Hack of the Year class, as well as six championships, at the Show Horse of the Year competition in Launceston earlier this year.

Sarah’s impressive collection of recent equestrian awards. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

After the impressive winning streak, the talented teen attracted the attention of horse owners from interstate, with two offering to pay her if she rode their horses in upcoming national competitions.

Sarah considered the equestrian community her second family and counted many other young riders among her best friends, Mrs Beltz said.

“They were a special group of people who are grieving just as much as us,” she said.

“Her horse family are in our thoughts and we know they will miss her, and her them.

“Sarah was always there for her friends, she never judged any of them. She never sat still, never said no and always wanted to help others.”