Iona Sclater: How did ‘exceptionally talented’ teenage horse riding star die? | Racing | Sport - (2021)

The 15-year-old has been dubbed exceptionally talented as many paid tribute to the British Eventing rider.

It was announced yesterday that she’d been killed in an accident at her home.

A statement read: “British Eventing was devastated to receive the news that one of our young members and bright stars in the sport, Iona Sclater, sadly died in a riding accident at home on Sunday 11 August.

“Our thoughts are with Iona's friends and family, her dad Charles, mum Hetty and sisters Lara and Alicia, at this very difficult time.”

Sclater was believed to be one of the stars of the future in her sport and had already achieved a fourth and second place in Pony Trial events at Weston Park and the Lincolnshire Horse Trials.

On friend wrote in tribute to Iona: “Iona, you were the most delightful, talented and personable young lady I know with a very bright future ahead of you.”

Just days before the incident she had posted an emotional message to her horse ‘Swatchy’.

On Instagram she wrote to her 5,799 followers saying: “Find me someone who looks at me the way Swatchy does.”

Instagram users have since responded to the post after the horrific news of her death.

One said: “Rest in peace Iona. My thoughts go to your friends and family.”

Another said: “Rest in piece beautiful girl! Such a lovely friendly person who has impacted massively on the equine world! you we’re such a inspiration and always will be.”