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An Alabama woman died after she was thrown from a horse at a rodeo in the Florida panhandle, local authorities announced on 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 down an exit ramp, when her horse suddenly moved and abruptly threw her off its back, WEAR-TV reports.
She fell and hit a pole, according to deputies with the Okaloosa Sheriffs Department, and was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities would not immediately release Short’s name, and would only say the victim was a 56-year-old woman from out of state.
But fellow horse riders identified her on Facebook as they shared their condolences and posted photos of her final moments — showing her happy on the back of a horse as she did what she loved.
Regina Short, 56, died when she was flung from a horse’s back at a barrel racing competition in northern Florida on Saturday
Okaloosa Sheriff’s Department deputies would not release her name, but fellow horse riders identified her on Facebook as they shared their condolences
In one Facebook post on the National Barrel Horse Association Florida District 07 page, organizer Abigail McClellan shares her condolences to the Short family.
‘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.’
McClellan also revealed: ‘There were many people that came to Regina’s side while awaiting EMS. They took swift action and are so appreciated.
‘We are praying for all of those that were involved as well as the medical professionals that later cared for Regina,’ she wrote, adding: ‘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.’
The Covington Equine Association also posted a tribute to Regina, revealing she was a board director.
‘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. ‘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.’
Short had just finished her competition and was leaving the arena down a ramp when she was thrown off the horse
Regina is predeceased by 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. ‘She also knw that barrel racing and horses came with danger. But doesn’t everything?’
‘She lost her life yesterday doing what she loved. Her daughter lost hers at 16 in a car accident.
‘Yesterday wasn’t Regina Short first horse accident. I’ve seen her come off a horse before. Yesterday was her time to go be with her daughter. No one’s fault not the horses fault.’
Karen Kirkland Copeland also wrote on Regina’s timeline that she is in ‘total shock right now, as I am sure MANY people are. But I am sure that there was a sweet angel waiting on you with open arms. You will be missed.’
Leanne Holmes added: ‘Our barrel racing community has lost a sweet, wonderful lady today in a barrel racing accident. Prayers for the family of Regina Short.’
And Kathleen Penton simply wrote: ‘Fly high, cowgirl. Go rest high on that mountain!’
The competition was cancelled after the incident, McClellan said, and will be rescheduled for a future date.
It is part of the National Barrel Horse Association tour of rodeos around the country, according to the event’s website.
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