A British rider was killed after she got trapped underneath her horse when it fell at a fence and landed on top of her, an inquest has heard. 

Primary school teacher Sarah Jayne Yorke, 37, died from chest and abdominal injuries following the horrific accident on August 8.  

The mother from mid Wales had been competing in a cross-country event at Aston-le-Walls Horse Trials in Northamptonshire. 

Opening the inquest into her death, senior coroner Anne Pember heard Ms Yorke’s horse failed to jump the third fence and landed on top of her.

She added at the hearing in Northampton that other competitors had managed to jump the fence prior to Ms Yorke’s fall. 

Following Ms. Yorke’s death earlier this month, tributes poured in, accompanied by heart-wrenching footage of her jumping fences with her horse.

Her family described themselves as ‘absolutely devastated’ and expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support they had received since the tragic incident.

Meanwhile, the headteacher of Norbury’s primary school in Shropshire, where Ms. Yorke taught, shared that the school community was heartbroken by her passing.

Primary school teacher Sarah Jayne Yorke, 37, (pictured) died from chest and abdominal injuries following the fall at the horse trials on August 8

The mother from mid Wales had been participating in a cross-country competition at Aston-le-Walls Horse Trials in the Northamptonshire village of the same name.

In videos posted on her Instagram account, Ms Yorke shared a montage of clips of her at Eland races in 2023 (pictured)

Les Ball said: ‘Sarah was an inspirational teacher who was always full of energy and life. 

‘She shared her passion for learning, particularly sports, with every child, having a lasting positive impact on numerous children and adults over the years.’

‘She was fervent about encouraging children to achieve their best in every endeavor but also prioritized ensuring that each day was filled with opportunities for fun, play, and laughter.’

‘Sarah always cared about others and was a great support to her colleagues whenever needed. She will be very deeply missed.’

British Eventing, the governing body for the equestrian sport, said there would be a full review of the incident.   

In a statement, the organisation said: ‘Sarah was a committed and passionate event rider whose dedication to her horses and the sport was clear to all who knew her.

‘Her warmth, determination, and love for eventing earned her the respect and friendship of many within the eventing community.

‘The tragic loss has brought great sorrow to all who had the privilege of knowing her, and our heartfelt thoughts remain with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.’ 

Heartbreaking footage emerged of Ms Yorke (pictured) previously competing on her horse 

One video showed the talented rider jumping over fences and hedges as she navigated the technical course on a horse called Allegro (pictured)

British Eventing said medical professionals ‘immediately’ attended the horse trails after Ms Yorke fell at the fence. 

However in a statement, the governing body said: ‘Tragically, she could not be saved.

‘Her horse, MGH HERA, was assessed by the onsite vets, walked back to the stable, and is uninjured.’

Ms Yorke and her horse were competing at the BE100 level of the British Eventing (BE) competition for their first time together – a division designed for grassroots riders and horses to gain experience.

She was fresh off a win last month with her seven-year-old horse in the BE90 class at trials at the Swalcliffe Park equestrian centre, near Banbury in Oxfordshire.

Video clips posted on Ms Yorke’s social media also show her previously competing at Eland Lodge, Derbyshire, in 2023.

One video shows the talented rider jumping over fences and hedges as she navigates the technical course on a horse called Allegro.

She captioned the post: ‘Reliving my round from Eland last year.’

Underneath the clips, highlighting Ms Yorke’s riding prowess, mourners sent their condolences. One person said: ‘I love you forever miss you.’

Another post from 2023, filled with snaps from that year’s riding season, showed Ms Yorke mid jump on her horse, dressed in full competition gear.

The inquest was adjourned until February 11, next year, when a full hearing will be held at the coroner’s court at The Guildhall, St Giles Square in Northampton.