An image of 17-year-old Olivia Inglis riding through the clouds has become the defining online tribute to the Southern Highlands student, who was fatally crushed by her horse during an equestrian competition on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The death of the eldest daughter of the well-known Inglis thoroughbred dynasty has also acted as a tragic reminder of the dangers of the sport.
Hundreds of online tributes posted to Facebook expressed shock and pain in the hours after the teenager was killed when her horse Coriolanus tripped and fell during a jump at the Scone Horse Trials in the Upper Hunter region.
Her mother Charlotte and father Arthur Inglis witnessed the death of their daughter when Olivia's horse fell at a fence about one third of the way through the cross-country course.
As the local equestrian community grapples with the loss of one of its bright young talents, Olivia is remembered as a compassionate, beautiful girl with an "infectious love of life".
Many of Olivia's friends, fellow riders and competition support staff shared the composite photograph of Olivia among the clouds.
The image was created by equestrian photographer Allira Fontana from a photograph of Olivia taken just two weeks earlier as the young rider cleared a jump.
The image was captioned "fly free fly high".
The chairwoman of Equestrian Australia Judy Fasher told Fairfax Media on Sunday that Olivia's death was the result of her horse's error.
"Unfortunately, Olivia's horse made a mistake and hit the obstacle, which meant the horse fell and landed on her," Ms Fasher said.
"A very clear reminder to the entire equestrian community of the dangers of our sport," read a Facebook post from Yarramalong Equestrian Specialists.
"A tragic accident and a huge loss! I don't agree with some who say 'the horse made a mistake' .... there should be no blame ... It was a tragic accident and it is a time for remembering and grieving ... not blame," read the post accompanied by the image of Olivia in the clouds.
Stablehand Mera Fay Perry also re-posted the image, commenting: "When people tell me 'it's just a horse' they don't understand, they don't know that everytime [sic] we saddle up we are putting our lives in the hands of something that can set you free or injure you beyond repair".
Condolences have flooded Mrs Inglis' Facebook page after she changed her profile picture to a touching photograph of her daughter smiling as she stands beside a horse.
"Beautiful" was the word dozens of commenters described Olivia's smile, her soul and her spirit, as they offered their support to Olivia's parents and her two sisters Antoinette and Alexandra.
Students and teachers returning to Frensham School in Mittagong on Monday held a school service to grieve for the teenager, who was captain of the school's equestrian team.
"The hearts of the entire Frensham community are with the Inglis family at this unimaginably difficult time," said head of Frensham, Julie Gillick in a statement.
"Olivia was a much loved Year 12 student who was a passionate, skilled rider and outstanding community member.
"In our school service this morning we reflected on Olivia's kindness, compassion and quiet, infectious love of life. It is the saddest day here, with all staff and specialist support working together," Ms Gillick said.
The Inglis family horse Coriolanus is being treated for muscle soreness and minor skin abrasions, and is currently under veterinary observation, organisers of the Scone Horse Trials said in a Facebook post.
"He's lost his best friend," posted a commenter.
