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An Alabama woman died after she was thrown by a horse at a rodeo in Florida, local authorities announced Sunday.
Regina Short, 56, had just finished competing in a barrel race at the Baker Arena Community Center on Saturday and was leaving the competition center via an exit ramp, when her horse suddenly moved, throwing her roughly by the back. . WEAR-TV reports.
She fell and hit a pole, according to Okaloosa Sheriff’s Department deputies, and was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities did not immediately release Short’s name, saying only the victim was a 56-year-old woman from another state.
But other jockeys identified her on Facebook when they shared their condolences and posted photos of her last moments, showing her happily on the back of a horse doing what she loved.
Regina Short, 56, died when she was thrown from the back of a horse at a barrel racing competition in North Florida on Saturday.
Okaloosa Sheriff’s Department deputies did not release her name, but other riders identified her on Facebook when they shared their condolences.
In a Facebook post on the National Barrel Horse Association’s Florida District 07 page, organizer Abigail McClellan shares her condolences with the Short family.
“First, 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 that God knows our hearts and hears our prayers.”
McClellan also revealed: “There were many people who came to Regina’s side while waiting for EMS. They took prompt action and are greatly appreciated.
“We are praying for everyone involved as well as the medical professionals who later cared for Regina,” he wrote, adding: “We have been made aware of Regina’s beloved daughter Christen who preceded her in passing. We hope you had the happiest meeting today.
“Take advantage of this time to come together, lifting each other up in prayer,” McClellan concluded. “Our horse community is strong and full of wonderful people.”
The Covington Equine Association also posted a tribute to Regina, revealing that she was a director on the board.
“She was a smiling face we hoped to see at barrel racing, an encouragement to all, even in bad racing, and loved watching the kids,” the organization wrote. “She always helped where she could without being asked and she never complained.
‘She will be greatly missed by her CEA family. There will always be a missing piece in our horse community, but we will honor his memory.”
Short had just finished her competition and was walking out of the arena up a ramp when she was thrown from her horse.
Regina predeceased her daughter, Christen, who died at age 16 in a car accident.
The incident occurred Saturday at the Baker Arena Community Center, where Short had just finished competing and was leaving the competition arena.
Others also took to Facebook to express their shock and grief.
Jill Braxton shared how Regina acted as a mentor to her daughter, Kynley.
“She told me about her daughter and how she wanted to support what her daughter loved so much,” Braxton wrote. He also knew that barrel racing and horse racing came with danger. But not all?
He lost his life yesterday doing what he loved. Her daughter lost hers at age 16 in a car accident.
‘Yesterday was not Regina Short’s first horse accident. I’ve seen her get off a horse before. Yesterday it was her time to go be with her daughter. It’s no one’s fault, it’s not the horses’ fault.
Karen Kirkland Copeland also wrote on Regina’s timeline that she is in ‘total shock right now, as I’m sure a LOT of people are. But I’m sure there was a sweet angel waiting for you with open arms. We will miss you.
Leanne Holmes added: ‘Our barrel racing community has lost a sweet and wonderful lady today in a barrel racing accident. Prayers for the Regina Short family.
And Kathleen Penton simply wrote: ‘Fly high, cowgirl. Go rest up on that mountain!
The competition was canceled after the incident, McClellan said, and will be rescheduled for a future date.
It’s part of the National Barrel Horse Association’s tour of rodeos across the country, according to the event’s website.