Girl, horse killed in equestrian accident were training for championship event

HALFMOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WJAC) — A young equestrian died in a horse riding accident Thursday morning in Centre County, officials said.

Officials say Ashley Stout, 13, was pronounced dead at Mount Nittany Medical Center. The accident occurred at the Standing Ovation Equestrian Center in Port Matilda, just after 9 a.m.

According to Standing Ovation's Facebook page, Stout's horse, Avant Garde, also died. State police in Rockview are continuing to investigate the incident.

The United States Eventing Association says Stout was one of twelve riders chosen to compete at the North American Youth Championships later this month. The USEA calls that event the premier equestrian competition in North America for children.

School officials said Stout was an eighth grader at Park Forest Middle School and she was an avid equestrian. Officials said Stout’s mother wants the community to know that her daughter “was doing what she loved and was very brave.”

“Ashley was a wonderful and enthusiastic young lady, and we will greatly miss her,” said Principal Karen Wiser.

School officials said counseling will be made available to those who need it Friday from 9 a.m. to noon in the Park Forest Middle School Library. Officials are encouraging those affected by the incident to read this article from Psychology Today for suggestions on how to help discuss the tragedy with your child.

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