Three horses died in a crash Tuesday, Oct. 6, while travelling across Canada to an event at Langley’s Thunderbird Show Park.

Equestrian Canada and Thunderbird Show Park (tbird) announced the crash on Wednesday.

“We mourn the loss of three horses, with the fourth having been immediately transported for veterinary treatment,” a statement from Equestrian Canada said.

According to James Hood, a spokesperson for Equestrian Canada, the crash took place near Revelstoke.

According to Sgt. Michael McLaughlin, BC Highway Patrol was called to the single-vehicle crash about 40 km east of Revelstoke on Highway 1 at about 8:45 a.m.

“The driver, a 73-year-old woman from Langdon, Alberta, was towing the trailer with four horses when she lost control and collided with a rock wall. The driver did not appear to have any serious injuries,” said Sgt. McLaughlin.

The woman was issued a violation ticket for failing to keep to the right of the highway and maintain their lane. She was fined $109.

The horses were travelling from Manitoba and Alberta to the Equestrian Canada National Dressage and Para Dressage Championships (West) here in Langley.

“EC extends its heartfelt sympathies to the riders, owners, families, and the entire support team surrounding these beloved horses,” the statement said.

Hood said the organization’s priority now is providing mental health support for those directly involved with the horses. Participants at the National Dressage Championships at Tbird will also be provided with contact information for mental health supports, if needed.

The western event was expected to draw 84 entries, Hood said.

“As much as it is a big country, like most sports, it is a small community,” he said.

A Facebook post from the Manitoba Horse Council indicated that two of the horses that died were from that province, named Rosaria and Fearless.