Statement on Rider Fatality at Saratoga Horse Show
July 23, 2023 - Stillwater, NY
It is with our deepest regret that we announce that Mr. Wayne Barr suffered a fatal accident late Saturday afternoon, July 22, 2023, while competing at the Saratoga Summer Celebration, in Stillwater, NY.
Mr. Barr, 59 years old, was riding his horse Pacco, an eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, in a training jumper class when the distance to the jump came up wrong. In the jump off, the horse had an awkward jump that unseated Wayne off to the right. Wayne managed to hold on for several strides, but subsequently, he fell off the horse.
The ambulance was onsite within minutes, and he was immediately transported to Albany Medical Center where he later passed. Wayne’s sons, Thomas and Spencer, along with the entire Kulak Equestrian family, are truly heartbroken.
“There are no words to adequately express how we feel. We can take some solace in knowing that Wayne loved his family and his equestrian endeavors with his horses. He was truly a special gentleman, and his passing has left an enormous hole in our hearts,” stated trainer Marcia Kulak.
The horse was uninjured in the fall.
The Saratoga Horse Shows team wishes to extend our sincere, heartfelt, and deepest condolences and sympathy to Mr. Barr’s family and friends. Wayne was a wonderful, well-respected exhibitor, and we too are heartbroken.
Media Contact: Jennifer Wood, jwood@jumpmediallc.com
