Inquest held into event rider’s death

An inquest into the death of event rider Jordan McDonald has found his body protector did not meet British Eventing’s (BE) safety standards.

Rotational fall

Jordan (30) was competing Only Me in the Novice at Nunney International Horse Trials in Somerset, when the horse suffered a rotational fall on the cross-country.

The Canadian rider, who based in Leicestershire, sustained multiple fractured ribs and an injury to his lung. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to accident and emergency consultant Dr Michael Whitlock, who was on duty at the event, Jordan’s injuries may not have been as severe had he worn a different body protector.

The model he wore was reportedly from Canada and did not meet British Eventing safety standards.

No protection

“The horse and the saddle and stirrups fell on the rider, with the saddle causing most of the damage,” said Dr White. “The area where the lung was damaged probably had no protection. It is difficult to predict the severity of the injuries if a class three body protector would have been worn.

“It is possible that the laceration to the lung could have been avoided, which would have given the doctors more chance of saving his life.”

Accidental death

Assistant coroner Tim Hayden returned a conclusion of accidental death, however he called for British Eventing (BE) to reconsider their system of checking riders’ safety equipment.

“Given the evidence I have heard about the importance of back protectors in the possibility of a death not being a death, I hope that British Eventing will look again at that section of the rules,” assistant coroner Tim Hayden said.

Reviewing rules

Following the outcome of yesterday’s inquest, BE released a statement saying they are “reviewing the current rules” contained within the members handbook.

The rules state: “A British Equestrian trade Association (BETA) approved and appropriately labelled level three body protector, manufactured in the year 2000 or after, is mandatory for cross-country and whenever else a body protector is worn.”

BE will announce the outcome of its review in due course.

The rider had previously competed wearing a Point Two air jacket, but was not wearing one on the day of his fatal accident.