A horse rider tragically died while celebrating her first wedding anniversary, just hours after posting a happy photo with her husband.
Abigail Garside, 30, was staying with her partner at the 300-acre Rudding Park resort and spa in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, when she was found dead. The day before, she had shared a joyful “happy anniversary” message along with pictures from a hot tub.
Her husband also marked the occasion online, writing: “One year since you became my wife!! I love you more and more every day, happy anniversary.”
Shortly after her passing, he shared another message with a photo of them together, saying: “My absolute world, my best friend and my beautiful darling wife. I will love you forever and you will never leave my heart xxx.”
Police confirmed Abigail was discovered in gardens in central Harrogate shortly after 6:15 a.m. on August 18. Authorities said they do not believe her death was suspicious.
Abigail and her husband had married at the Crow Wood Hotel and Spa in Burnley, Lancashire, on August 17 last year. At the time, she described him as “the man of my dreams.”
Friends and loved ones have remembered Abigail as a talented dressage rider and a kind, bubbly person. She had achieved success in the equestrian world, including winning at the Horse of the Year Show in 2019, according to the Mail.
Ribble Valley Riding Club, where she was a member, shared: “She will be sadly missed by everyone in the horse world.”
A fundraiser has been launched in her memory, with proceeds supporting the mental health charity Mind and the Dog’s 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 added: “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.”
