Regina Short: Alabama woman, 56, dies after being thrown off her horse at Florida rodeo
BAKER, FLORIDA: Regina Short, 56, of Alabama died after falling from her horse at a rodeo in Florida and was taken to the hospital, local authorities announced Sunday, January 8.
Short had just finished a barrel race at Baker Arena Community Center on Saturday and was leaving the competition center via an exit ramp when her horse suddenly moved, throwing her abruptly off her back, reports WEAR-TV. According to Okaloosa Sheriff's Department deputies, she fell and hit a post and was taken to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Immediately following the incident, authorities would not release Short's name. They said only that she was a 56-year-old woman from out of state.
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Fellow horse riders identified her when they started posting condolences on Facebook. Abigail McClellan shared her condolences to the Short family on the National Barrel Horse Association Florida District 07 page on Facebook saying, "First and foremost, our deepest condolences and continued prayers to Regina Short's family and friends as they navigate this unexpected loss. There are no words to adequately address all of this, but we trust in God knowing our hearts and haring our prayers. We have been informed of Regina's beloved daughter, Christen, that proceeded her in passing. We are hopeful that they had the most joyous reunion today." she added. Many others also posted their condolences on Facebook and offered their prayers including The Covington Equine Association posting a tribute to Short revealing she was board member. The competition was cancelled due the incident, and will be rescheduled for a future date, McClellan said.
As per the event's website, it is part of the National Barrel Horse Association tour of rodeos around the country. Although, accidents of such nature are rare but this is not the first time an incident like this has occurred.
On 3 October, 2021, Legend Williamson, a 10 year old child, died in a freak rodeo accident after the horse he was riding fell on him. According to the reports, the animal was believed to have suffered either a brain aneurysm or a heart attack.
Rodeo: The equestrian sport
Rodeo is a competitive equestrian sport. a public performance or competition in which cowboys show their skill at riding cattle and wild horses and at catching cattle with ropes. The rodeo has been a long-standing tradition in the USA. It is now a popular sporting event. People travel from all across US to watch cowboys showcase their skills and talent.