A 22-year-old showjumper has tragically died after being “kicked in the head by a horse”.
The horror unfolded on the afternoon of 4 November, when Jill Mollen was working at a horse stable.
Witnesses saw her walking past a horse to move it.
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Moments later, she was found motionless in the meadow beside the animal with a severe head injury.
She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition from Stal Ceulemans in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium, roughly halfway between Brussels and Antwerp.
Jill underwent emergency surgery, but it was too late to save her.
Stal Ceulemans confirmed her death on Sunday (9 Nov), saying: “Today we received the heartbreaking news that Jill, our young employee who was seriously injured earlier this week in the accident at our stable, has unfortunately passed away.”
Her devastated parents added: “Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that through organ donation, her warmth and strength will continue to live on in the lives she touches.”
Prosecutors have confirmed that an investigation into what happened is ongoing, as reported by Need To Know.
Jill was described as a highly experienced and talented rider.
She listed her passion for showjumping in her social media bio, along with the phrase: “Do it with your heart or not at all.”
Bram Van Hulle of Equnews equestrian magazine told local media: “Accidents can happen in an instant, without anyone being at fault.”
Horse riding is extremely popular in Belgium, despite international research showing it ranks among the top three most dangerous sports, after cycling and motorcycling.
This year, in August, 11-year-old Jules from Vorselaar died just a week after falling heavily during a pony tournament.
Last year, a 20-year-old rider in Flémalle was crushed during a showjumping competition.
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