THE international eventing world were in mourning last Saturday following the death of talented young French rider Thaïs Méheust.
The 22-year-old was fatally injured in a cross-country accident while competing at the French Championships for young horses at Haras du Pin. Riding in the seven-year-old class aboard her horse Chaman Dumontceau, she fell at the second fence.
French riders competing at the five-star Burghley Horse Trials in Britain all wore a black armband in a mark of respect for Méheust.
Méheust had represented France in eight FEI European Championships at pony, junior and young rider level, earning five team medals including gold in 2016 and 2018. She was the French Junior Champion in 2017.
She made her senior Nations Cup debut at Houghton Hall in Britain in May aboard Quamilha.
In a now very poignant interview with the FEI in May 2018, the talented youngster said: “I’m aiming for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, but if I’m not ready or selected, I will never stop dreaming of the Olympics, and I will aim for the next one as long as possible.”
The FEI extended their sympathy to Méheust’s parents, her family and wide circle of friends and to the French National Federation (FFE).
“The news of Thaïs’ tragic death has come as a great shock to us all,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said.
“We had the opportunity to get to know Thaïs when she participated in the Youth Panel which we hand-picked for the Sports Forum in 2018.
“Each of the panellists were selected for their experience and their commitment to the sport and all of us at the FEI were truly impressed by Thaïs’ passion, her maturity and her enthusiasm.
“She was a tremendous ambassador for the sport, really committed and willing to work hard to achieve her goals. The global equestrian community has lost a shining light and our hearts go out to all who knew her.”
Méheust is the second young event rider pass away in the last month. Fifteen-year-old British rider Iona Sclater sadly died in a riding accident at her home in August.