'Happy' Photos of Horsewoman Who Hanged Herself Hours After First Year Anniversary With Husband Could Suggest Foul Play - What We Know

Abigail Garside, a 30-year-old horsewoman from Blackburn in Lancashire, was found hanged in Harrogate only hours after celebrating her first wedding anniversary. She had shared photographs with her husband marking the occasion at a North Yorkshire resort before her body was discovered the following morning.

Her death has drawn widespread attention and prompted tributes from her family and equestrian community. A full inquest is under way to determine the circumstances, but so far officials have only confirmed the provisional medical cause of death as hanging.

Confirmed Details of the Case

Ms Garside, a dressage rider well known in equestrian circles, had competed in events including the Horse of the Year Show. On 17 August she and her husband, Samuel, marked their first wedding anniversary at Rudding Park Hotel and Resort in Harrogate, according to Metro.

The couple posted photographs on social media during their stay, including images in a hot tub and messages celebrating their milestone. Ms Garside's final Instagram caption read, 'Lovely day in Harrogate celebrating our first wedding anniversary with my love.'

On the morning of 18 August, at around 6:15am, she was found hanged in gardens in Harrogate town centre by a passer-by. At an opening hearing, the senior coroner gave the provisional cause of death as hanging, according to The Sun. A full inquest was formally opened at North Yorkshire Coroner's Court on 11 September and then adjourned to allow further investigation.

What Remains Unclear

Authorities have not confirmed that foul play is being investigated, and police statements have not indicated signs of trauma or forced entry. The exact circumstances of Ms Garside's death remain uncertain, and no verified timeline has been established between the photographs she shared earlier in the day and her death.

The inquest process is expected to examine medical records, witness statements and forensic evidence before reaching a formal conclusion. Until then, further details remain unconfirmed.

Family and Community Tributes

Mr Garside paid tribute to his wife in a Facebook post, writing, 'My absolute world, my best friend and my beautiful darling wife, I will love you for ever and you will never leave my heart.'

Members of the equestrian community also expressed their grief. The Ribble Valley Riding Club, where Ms Garside had been involved for more than 20 years, said, 'Abigail was a great supporter and highly valued member... Abigail will be sadly missed by everyone in the horse world.' Red Lane Stables described her death as 'absolutely devastating'.

Funeral services have since taken place, attended by family and friends from the horse-riding community. A tribute page has been set up in her memory, requesting donations to the mental health charity Mind and the Dogs Trust, and has raised more than £2,600.

A Case Still Open

Ms Garside's death has been provisionally recorded as hanging, but the full circumstances remain unresolved until the inquest delivers its findings. Coroners are expected to examine medical evidence, witness accounts and timelines before issuing a conclusion, a process that may take several weeks.

In the meantime, family, friends and the horse-riding community are remembering Ms Garside as a talented and much-loved figure whose sudden death has left a deep impact on those who knew her best.