Teen Dies During Equestrian Competition In Venice: U.S. Equestrian

VENICE, FL — A 15-year-old girl died Sunday during an accident while competing at Fox Lea Farm Spring Concours I in Venice, according to a U.S. Equestrian Federation news release.

Hannah Serfass was riding Quaxx, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding in an equitation class when the horse tripped and fell on the girl, the organization said. The incident was unrelated to a jumping attempt.

She was brought to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, USEF said. The horse was uninjured in the fall.

Hannah, who is from Webster, Florida, trained with Robin Swinderman.

“A very talented up-and-coming young rider,” the teen was “known for her passion for horses, her natural ability and her work ethic,” U.S. Equestrian said.

The federation will review the accident.

Funeral services for Hannah will take place May 8 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon when funeral services begin, according to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory.

In addition to horseback riding — both English and Western — Hannah also participated in tap dance, ballet, gymnastics, cross country, track and basketball.

“Her passion was riding horses, so it is a blessing that she entered heaven’s gates on one,” according to her obituary. “However, she would have ridden a cow if that’s all she had. More than horses, Hannah would love to spend time riding with her brother and enjoying the freedom to stop for ice cream before dinner.”

The Clearwater native previously attended Gospel Train Preschool in Tarpon Springs, Skycrest Christian School in Clearwater and Keswick Christian School in St. Petersburg. She has been homeschooled since the fifth grade.

The girl participated in sports at local schools and attended 4-H in Sumter County.

“Hannah raised two pigs to make money to ride horses,” according to her obituary. “She was full of life, and horses loved her. She also had five dogs, a cat and many cattle at home.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser is raising money to plant a tree with a memorial plaque with her name on it at the World Equestrian Center. Any funds leftover will either be used to create an ongoing trophy in her name or be given to the Serfass family for an organization of their choice. As of Wednesday morning, more than $56,000 has been raised; the fundraiser’s goal was $10,000.