THE equestrian community is united in grief as it mourns the tragic loss of Tiggy Hancock (15) who passed away on Wednesday after a training accident.

Tributes have flooded in from all around the world for the hugely popular and talented rider who is being described by many as one of the brightest young stars Ireland had ever seen. From Corries, Bagenalstown in Co Carlow, the Hancock family are well-known and respected in the sport horse industry.

Tiggy was taking part in eventing team training at Greenogue Equestrian in Rathcoole, Co Dublin, when she fell from her pony. Gardaí and ambulance emergency personnel were quickly on the scene and she was rushed to Crumlin Hospital, but tragically passed away from her injuries.

During her short but wonderful career in the saddle, Tiggy, a member of both Carlow and Kilkenny Pony Club, excelled at everything from hunting to show jumping and showing. Tiggy was a multiple show ring champion. Some of her many accolades include winning the British Show Pony Society sports pony final Gold Cup at Burghley in 2018 with Corries Jack In A Box, as well as the Gold Cup 133cms working hunter pony at the BSPS Championships in 2017.

In 2019, Tiggy won both the 133cm Gold Cup and the 143cm Gold Cup, something that had quite possibly never been done before. She has qualified for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on five occasions.

Glittering career

Tiggy’s glittering eventing career has been littered with accolades, including a bronze medal at the pony European Championships in 2019 with Coppenagh Spring Sparrow. Such was her ambition, she couldn’t wait to turn 14 in 2020 so she could compete against the senior riders.

She won the CCI1*-Intro with Monarch Of The Glen at Kilguilkey International last August and her last international start was just earlier this month at Millstreet where she finished fourth in the CCI2*-S with Coppenagh Spring Sparrow, against some of the world’s best senior riders.

A statement from Horse Sport Ireland, which extended their deepest sympathies to the Hancock family, said: “Tiggy was a highly talented young athlete and a respected member of our Pony High Performance Eventing Programme. Tiggy was well-liked among both junior and senior members of the Irish equestrian family and her passing will be mourned by all. The Hancock family are known throughout Ireland for their commitment to the equestrian community and those who know them will share in their grief.”

Joe Reynolds, CEO of Horse Sport Ireland, echoed that sentiment on Thursday’s RTÉ News At One, adding: “Tiggy had a big career ahead. She was confident, competent and so well-liked.” Reynolds added that the accident happened on the cross-country course at the Greenogue venue, where the pony team were training ahead of the European Championships.

HSI have set up a service for those affected by Tiggy’s passing. A HSI statement said: “The loss of a young person is always particularly hard to comprehend. This will be a difficult time for many of Tiggy’s team mates and friends in the sport. HSI have a designated support person to assist individuals affected, and would encourage them or their parents to come forward to seek support.” To avail of the support, email support@horsesportireland.ie.

A number of events have been cancelled this weekend as a mark of respect, including the Eventing Ireland fixture at Grove. EI offered their sympathies to the Hancock family and asked competitors to wear yellow at upcoming events as it was Tiggy’s favourite colour.

The beloved daughter of Frank and Jane and cherished sister to Eliza and Lucy, Tiggy will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. Her funeral service will take place at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lorum, Co Carlow at 2pm on Monday, June 21st, followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard.

Tributes to Tiggy

Tributes for Tiggy have flooded in from the equestrian community near and far, led by senior event rider and her next door neighbour in Corries, Fred Scala, who wrote: “The heavens have gained a very bright star. Bless your soul darling Tiggy.”

“She was our brightest star. A gorgeous girl with the world at her feet taken far too soon.” – Elizabeth Power

“There are no words… [This is] one of the greatest losses Irish eventing has ever experienced. Tiggy was a ray of sunshine who touched the hearts of everyone she encountered with that wonderful smile. A truly gifted little girl who adored her ponies and who everyone adored. Taken too soon but the legacy she leaves behind will last a lifetime. A beautiful soul is never forgotten. Thinking of all her family and friends at this time.” – Sarah Ennis

“Tiggy has undoubtedly been a wonderful ambassador to the Irish Pony Club over the past number of years, representing both our Carlow and Kilkenny Hunt Branches at events across the country, and moving on to compete and impress at European and World level. Her performances at the U-16 European Eventing Team Championships in Poland 2019 and more recently at the CCI2* in Millstreet are certainly two highlights of Tiggy’s pony career that will not be soon forgotten.

“Tiggy was a highly talented young athlete, who was not only a wonderful team player, but also a fantastic friend and teammate to many. She was and will be forever held close to the hearts of many, and her memory will leave a lasting legacy on our sport for many years to come.” – Irish Pony Club

“The world has lost an angel today. The most caring, sensitive, intelligent, motivated and truly gifted equestrian rider in the world, at only 15, Tiggy has achieved more than most of us will do in a lifetime. Her passion for her ponies and horses could not be matched but more so the truly inspirational little lady that is Tiggy touched so many lives giving only joy with that HUGE smile that always beamed from her. We will all miss you Tiggy Hancock, you have taken a piece of all of our hearts we hope you are in your ultimate pony heaven.” – Orla Roche

“Tiggy was an exceptional and talented young rider who was such an inspiration and was looked up to by so many of our members.

“Her accomplishments within the IPS and all equestrian disciplines both here and in the UK are well documented. She will always be remembered for her radiant smile, her gratitude and laughter in victory and defeat. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of spending time with her.” – Irish Pony Society

“Tiggy’s infectious personality and beaming smile lit up any event and this was no more evident than at our recent Horse Trials where she led the way after dressage in the CCI2*S; leaving many of our Olympic riders and professional producers in her wake! A rail down in the showjumping denied her victory but she blazed a trail around a testing cross-country course that made the eventing world take note; this rising pony star was ready to step things up a level. Tragically, Tiggy has been taken far too soon but her indomitable spirit will live on through those she will continue to inspire.” - Duggan family, Millstreet Horse Trials