At the conclusion of Galway Downs’ CCI** show jumping phase on Sunday, Nov. 5, a moment of silence was held to honor Mia Eriksson who passed away on Saturday evening after a serious fall on the cross-country course. She was 17 years old.
Competition was halted for about 30 minutes after Eriksson’s horse, Koryography, clipped his front legs on fence 19 and fell on her.
The 7-year-old horse was treated by veterinarians on site and was able to walk back to his stable. He was reported to be in good condition on Sunday. Eriksson was immediately transported by on-site paramedics to Rancho Springs Hospital in Temecula, Calif., where she passed away.
“Robert Kellerhouse has been the organizer of this event for 12 years and seen more than 12,000 horses come through here. This is the first time anything like this has ever happened here,” said Don McAuliffe, Director of Public and Media Relations.
Friends and barn mates of Eriksson wore blue ribbons with white polka dots to honor Eriksson throughout Sunday’s proceedings. Lauren Brooke, who also competed in this weekend’s two-star division, was a good friend of Eriksson.
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“So may people knew her for such a short time. She was the kind of person who touched so many lives and was so genuine. Once you met her, you felt like you already knew her.” said Brooke. “She loved that horse and loved the sport. She fought until the end.”
Brooke also said that Eriksson was to graduate from high school this year and had been applying to different colleges.
Galway officials released a statement: “The organizers and officials of the Galway Downs Three Day Event and the ownership of Galway Downs would like to extend their deepest sympathy to the Eriksson Family.”
Eriksson’s older sister, Shana Virginia Eriksson, was also killed in a horse-related accident in 2003 when her horse fell during a trail ride at Fresno State.
