The death of Co Armagh’s young show jumper Katie Simpson continues to cast a long shadow over the equestrian world, not only because of the personal tragedy involved, but because of the uncomfortable questions it has forced the industry to confront.

Katie Simpson, a 21-year-old show jumper from Co Armagh, died in August 2020 after suffering serious injuries in an incident initially believed to be a suicide attempt. However, concerns raised by family members and investigators later led to the case being reopened. Detectives uncovered evidence suggesting Katie had been subjected to coercive control, violence and abuse by Jonathan Creswell, a well-known figure within the equestrian world and partner of Katie's sister. Creswell was subsequently charged with rape and murder, but died by suicide in 2024 before standing trial.