Former four-star occasion rider Caroline March dies aged 31

Content material warning: this text consists of references to themes of assisted suicide

Occasion rider Caroline March has died on the age of 31.

Caroline, who suffered spinal accidents in a cross-country fall in April 2022, shared the explanations for her choice, in a letter.

With the letter, an announcement on her Fb web page reads: “It’s with nice unhappiness that we announce the passing of Caroline on Saturday 23 March 2024.

“She wished to go away this closing submit within the hopes you might acquire an understanding of who she really was and the selections she made. Please learn her message with an open thoughts and be respectful for the sake of her household and associates. She might be significantly missed.”

Caroline was an expert occasion rider who competed to three-star (now four-star) stage, together with at Blenheim, Chatsworth and Gatcombe.

Fellow eventer Piggy March, who’s married to Caroline’s brother Tom, mentioned: “I can safely say no doubt the worst weekend of our lives nevertheless it isn’t about us, it’s about expensive Caroline.

“She was decided to do that, as she has mentioned in her personal phrases, and there was NOTHING anybody was going to do to cease her.

“Clearly that is heartbreaking however our personal consolation comes from hoping she is now at peace and in some place she actually needed to be. She was a really courageous lady.

“Thanks for all of the love and help proven from so many. It actually means a lot to us all however please can everybody give household a while and area to come back to phrases with our devastating loss.

“She was very liked and might be missed significantly. RIP expensive Caroline.”

In a joint assertion, British Eventing (BE) and the British Eventing Help Belief mentioned they had been saddened to study of Caroline’s dying.

“Eventing is a close-knit neighborhood and Caroline was a preferred and profitable member of the eventing household. Life-changing accidents are extraordinarily troublesome bodily and mentally, each for the person and people round them, and everybody handles them in their very own means. Caroline was conscious of and engaged with the assistance supplied to BE competing members.

“British Eventing and the BE Help Belief lengthen their deepest sympathy to Caroline’s household and associates throughout this troublesome time.”

The BE Help Belief psychological well being helpline will be accessed 24/7 on 07780 008877. The Samaritans helpline can also be obtainable 24 hours a day, on 116 123.

• This information story has been written following reporting tips from the Samaritans and IPSO

H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Obsessed with equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all features of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, through which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping exhibits by to worldwide championships.