Estate agent dies after fall from horse during race as friends pay tribute to ‘competitive & kind-hearted’ woman

AN ESTATE agent has died after falling from a horse during a race as tributes pour in for the “competitive and kind-hearted woman”.

Geraldine White fell from her horse Emeer during an endurance event in Moreton, Dorset last month.

The 76-year-old was taking part in an endurance ride that involved 120 competitors just outside Dorchester when tragedy struck on October 25.

Geraldine was reportedly thrown from her horse during the event after her horse fell to its knees and slipped on a remote trail.

In what has been described as a “freak” accident, she suffered fatal injuries upon hitting the ground.

She was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital where she sadly passed away five days later, having not regained consciousness.

Tributes poured in following her tragic death with Geraldine described as an “amazing lady” and “stalwart of endurance”.

A tribute on Wessex Endurace GB’s Facebook page said her husband and friends are “bereft” but are consoled knowing “she died doing what she loved”.

It read: “Geraldine’s husband Roger, and her close friends Yvette and Heather, are devastated to report that she had a serious fall from her horse, Emeer, whilst taking part in the Moreton endurance ride on October 25th.

“She was airlifted to Southampton but despite the best efforts of the superb medical team she never regained consciousness.

“Please join us in remembering this amazing lady who has been a stalwart of endurance for a very long time.”

It went on to add how Geraldine was a “very competent and successful estate agent” for Greenslade Taylor Hunt for whom she was an assistant manager.

The post also included a tribute from her close friend, Heather Giles, chairman of the Dorset Long Distance Walking Association, who said: “Geraldine was one of the most generous people I have ever met.

“We rode together, organised rides together, socialised together and walked many miles – most recently walking the Ridgeway in September last year – Geraldine, me and Winnie the dog – and at the end we were still on speaking terms!”

While colleagues at Greenslade Taylor Hunt paid tribute to Geradline’s “competitive spirit, professionalism, and kind-hearted nature”

A spokesman said: “Geraldine was a highly valued and loyal member of our firm who joined Greenslade Hunt in 1993.

“Over the years she became a familiar and trusted face in the Chard area, overseeing the sale of hundreds of local properties.

“Her professionalism, energy and commitment were second to none, and she continued to perform at the very top of her game right up to the present day.”

They added Geraldine “will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of working with her”.

Tributes also poured in on social media with dozens paying their condolences.

One said: “Just so sad. She always spoke up for horse welfare and for the sport she loved. My thoughts are with her close friends and family.”

Another added: “This is such shocking news. Geraldine was such an inspiration and role model.

“Only recently we’d been chatting about enjoying endurance as you get older. She will be so missed.”