In a tragic accident at Fox Lea Farm, a 15-year-old equestrian, Hannah Serfass, lost her life after her horse, Quaxx 2, fell during a hunter/jumper competition. The incident occurred in south Sarasota County, where Serfass was riding as a junior rider.
According to the United States Equestrian Federation, the fall was unrelated to a jumping effort, and Serfass was halfway through the competition course, having just finished jump No. 5 when the incident happened. The Sheriff’s Office report indicated that the horse landed successfully but stumbled when its left front hoof planted, causing it to fall and land on the rider’s head on the ground.
Serfass was transported by ambulance to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice campus, where she was later pronounced dead. The Sumter County School District official confirmed that Serfass was homeschooled but actively participated in extracurricular activities with the Wildwood Middle High School track team, and her teammates were informed of her death the following morning.
The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, the United States Equestrian Federation, and Fox Lea Farm extended their deepest condolences to the Serfass family in a statement, and Vicki Lowell, the Federation spokeswoman, emphasized that the organization takes every accident seriously and will review the accident to minimize risk and increase safety in equestrian sport.
The tragic news of Hannah Serfass’s death has shaken the entire equestrian community, and the team at Fox Lea Farm, in particular, is heartbroken. The farm released a statement on Facebook, noting that out of respect for the family, no further information would be shared at this time.
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