Tributes paid to 'talented' event rider

SHOCKED fellow equestrians and family friends in her native Badenoch have been paying tributes to Natasha Galpin after her tragic death.

The 22-year-old rider died last Wednesday after falling from her horse whilst working at Iain Jardine Racing at the base in Dumfries and Galloway.

The stables said the "unavoidable and unpredictable accident" had been caused by a horse rupturing an artery.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident at the Hetland Hill yard in Carrutherstown, which also claimed the life of the horse.

Natasha was a talented young event rider and regular competitor at events across Scotland.

She claimed the Scottish and Northern Novice Championships on her own Miss Contender in 2017.

It is understood that Natasha was riding with Iain Jardine Racing on their grass gallops when the accident happened. Natasha grew up in Laggan, where her parents, Richard and Sally, ran the former Monadhliath Hotel, before moving south with her family five years ago.

Ex-Gergask Primary School head teacher Isobel Geddes said: "It's such a terrible thing to have happened. It was such a delight to see her the last time when she suddenly looked in to say hello three years ago, out of the blue.

"The little girl had simply blossomed into a whole person, so full of life, and was staying at the Highlander with her lovely boyfriend. They were just set for life and we just can't believe this has happened. It is so tragic."

Stewart Geddes, the hotel's gardener at that time, said: "Natasha was a beautiful wee thing, so funny. Whenever she saw me she would want a lift in my wheelbarrow. She was into everything and so delightful. We can't believe it."

Ruaridh Ormiston, owner of Highland Horse Fun in Kingussie, said: "Natasha was always very positive and enthusiastic when doing her work experience with us and a delight to have around the stables. I suppose it will be of some consolation to her family she died doing what she loved."

Natasha had some work experience at hair salon A Cut Above The Rest at Kingussie, run by Mandy Mackay.

She said: "She was a beautiful young lady and I always will remember the visits to the salon with mum, dad, and her sisters Vicky and Amy.

"I loved the time we spent together when she worked with me on a Monday. I still remember when she put up the Christmas decorations.

"They were so good I just kept them up for a long time! I was so chuffed when she came to visit me on that last trip up here. It was wonderful to see her so happy with her boyfriend."

Natasha's friend Michelle Chalmers, who runs MAC Equestrian, said: "All three of the Galpin sisters kept their horses with us over many years.

"When we moved to Laggan in 2006 and started up our business they were our first clients and were with us until they moved south. We had many years of fun with the horses, I helped all three of the girls with their riding and everything horse related.

"Natasha's love of horses was always very clear, she had a wonderful relationship with their horses and would have been here all day if she got the chance.

"We had many years of fun introducing Natasha and her sisters to eventing and it's lovely to see that stuck with her even when she moved south.

"We all know we take a chance every time we get on these wonderful horses but the love far outweighs the risk for us horsey girls, and at least we all know she was doing what she loved.

"When we heard the tragic news we were all deeply saddened. Our thoughts are with all of the Galpin family."

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