Woman Dies At Rodeo After Being Thrown Off Horse

Covington Equine Association / Facebook

According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, a 56-year-old woman died at the Baker Rodeo in the Florida panhandle on Saturday (Jan 7) after competing in a barrel race.

The sheriff’s office said the woman later identified as Regina Short from Alabama was thrown from the galloping horse while on an exit ramp and struck a pole. She was immediately transported to a local hospital where she eventually died from her injuries.

The Baker Arena Community Center rodeo was part of the National Barrel Horse Association tour of rodeos which travel around the country.

Those who knew Regina took to Facebook to share their condolences and shared photos of her final moments showing her happy riding like she loved to do.

According to Daily Mail, event organizer Abigail McClellan posted on the National Barrel Horse Association Florida District 07  Facebook page shared her condolences as well.

“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 hearing our prayers,” she said. 

McClellan continued to reveal that there were many people who came to Regina’s aid and helped her while EMS came and swiftly took action.

McClellan said, “We are praying for all of those that were involved as well as the medical professionals that later cared for Regina. 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. Please use this time to come together, lifting one another in prayer,’ McClellan concluded. ‘Our horse community is strong and full of so many wonderful people.’

In addition to McClellan, the Covington Equine Association also posted a tribute to Regina speaking on her behalf as part of the board of directors.

“She was a smiling face we looked forward to seeing at barrel races, an encouragement to everyone even on the bad runs and loved watching the kids,” the organization wrote on Facebook. “She always helped where she could without being asked and never complained. Her CEA family will miss her dearly. There will always be a missing piece in our horse community but we will honor her memory.”