A horse rider suddenly died while celebrating her first wedding anniversary—just hours after posting a loving picture with her husband.
Abigail Garside, 30, was staying with her partner at the luxury 300-acre Rudding Park resort and spa in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The day before her death, she shared a “happy anniversary” message along with joyful photos from the hot tub.
Her husband also posted wedding pictures, writing: “One year since you became my wife!! I love you more and more every day, happy anniversary.”
But soon after, he shared the heartbreaking news that Abigail had passed away. With a photo of them together, he wrote: “My absolute world, my best friend and my beautiful darling wife. I will love you forever and you will never leave my heart xxx.”
Abigail was found in gardens in central Harrogate around 6:15 a.m. on August 18. Police said they do not believe there were any suspicious circumstances.
The couple had married at the Crow Wood Hotel and Spa resort in Burnley, Lancashire, on August 17, 2023. At the time, Abigail said she was marrying “the man of my dreams.” Wedding photos showed the couple smiling with their dogs and laughing as they cut their cake.
Friends have described Abigail as “the most talented, bubbly and beautiful girl.” A skilled dressage rider, she had earned recognition in the equestrian world, including a win at the Horse of the Year Show in 2019, according to the Mail.
Ribble Valley Riding Club, where Abigail was a member, said she will be “sadly missed by everyone in the horse world.”
A fundraiser has since been launched in her memory, with donations going to the mental health charity Mind and Dogs Trust.
The tribute page reads: “This site is a tribute to Abigail Garside, who was born on November 24, 1994. She is much loved and will always be remembered. We hope that you find this tribute to Abigail a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.”‘
North Yorkshire Police released a statement: “A cordon including screening was put in place to allow the investigation into the circumstances to take place. At this stage, we do not currently believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death and a report will now be prepared for the coroner. Our thoughts at this time are with the woman’s family.”
