Rider killed when galloping horse throws her into pole at rodeo, Florida cops say
A rider participating in a Florida barrel racing show died after being slammed into a pole by her horse, according the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
It happened about 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Baker Area Community Center, about 45 miles northeast of Pensacola, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
“A barrel racer from out of state who had just competed at the Baker Rodeo Saturday was abruptly thrown from her horse, suffering a fatal injury,” the sheriff’s office said.
“Deputies say initial indications are the 56-year old woman was leaving the area down an exit ramp when her galloping horse suddenly moved, causing the rider to strike a large wooden pole. She later died of her injuries at a local hospital.”
The rider was identified as veteran rider Regina Short of Opp, Alabama, by officials with the National Barrel Horse Association’s FL07 district.
“Many people are aware of the tragic accident that occurred at today’s show. ... There are no words to adequately address all of this,” FLO7 district member Abigail McClellan wrote on Facebook.
“There were many people that came to Regina’s aid while awaiting EMS. They took swift action and are so appreciated. We are praying for all of those that were involved, as well as the medical professionals that later cared for Regina.”
She was participating in a one-day barrel racing show, which was postponed after the incident. It will be rescheduled, McClellan wrote.
Barrel racing is known as a women’s rodeo event, involving high speeds and quick turns, Silverspursrodeo.com reports. Riders compete to see who can achieve the fastest speed while racing around a series of barrels, and winners are often chosen “by thousandths of a second.”
The National Barrel Horse Association is the world’s “largest barrel racing organization,” with more than 250 districts that host events.
This story was originally published January 9, 2023 at 8:08 AM with the headline "Rider killed when galloping horse throws her into pole at rodeo, Florida cops say."