Photo Mosaic Tribute Assembled for Fallen Eventer

Equestrians gathered together to pay tribute and show support for the family of Olivia Inglis, 17, who tragically died in a riding accident March 6. Using the hashtag #rideforolivia, riders from all over the world shared photographs of themselves and their mounts, which were then pieced together into a mosaic in the likeness of Inglis and her horse jumping. The piece was presented to Inglis’ parents at her funeral service.

Inglis passed away when her horse, Coriolanus, fell on her while they were competing at the Scone Horse Trials in Australia. The family-owned horse, fondly called “Toga” by Inglis, was euthanized March 8 after the veterinarian found his injuries to be more extensive than previously thought.

To honor them both, #rideforolivia was started, and equestrians everywhere joined in to be a part of the tribute. Riders from all disciplines, not just eventing, participated. Well-known equestrian athletes and Olympians such as William Fox-Pitt, Charlotte Dujardin, Laura Collett, Andrew Hoy, Michael Jung, and Phillip Dutton also partook, sharing their photos and condolences. The hashtag dedicated to her had over 20 million shares online.

Once all the pictures were collected and assembled together, the piece was presented to Inglis’ family at her funeral service on March 14. Additionally, Judy Fasher of Equestrian Australia told Horse and Hound Magazine in an interview that a new scholarship was created in her honor, in partnership with Equestrian New South Wales. The Olivia Inglis Young Rider Scholarship will enable a skilled young rider to travel overseas to ride and compete. The Scone Horse Trials donated its unpresented prize money to the scholarship fund.

All of the photos used for her mosaic can still be viewed through the hashtag #rideforoliva, and any donations can be directed to the Olivia Inglis Young Rider Scholarship online.