What began as a joyful day of love and celebration ended in unimaginable heartbreak.Just hours after marking her first wedding anniversary with her husband, champion horse rider Abigail Garside was tragically found dead in a public garden in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
She was only 30 years old.
A Joyful Anniversary at a Luxury Spa
Abigail, a gifted dressage rider, had spent the day with her husband Samuel Garside at the exclusive Rudding Park resort and spa, a 300-acre luxury escape in Harrogate.
The couple toasted to their milestone in style, sipping champagne in a hot tub and capturing beaming photos of their happiness.
On social media, Abigail wrote: “Lovely day in Harrogate celebrating our first wedding anniversary with my love.”
Samuel also posted heartfelt words, sharing wedding pictures and declaring: “One year since you became my wife!! I love you more and more every day, happy anniversary.”
A Shocking Discovery the Next Morning
But in a cruel twist, Abigail’s body was discovered early the following morning, August 18, in gardens on Montpellier Hill in the heart of Harrogate.
North Yorkshire Police confirmed the discovery shortly after 6:15am, placing a cordon around the area while investigations took place.
Authorities have stated that they do not believe there are suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
A report will be prepared for the coroner, and an inquest is scheduled to open on September 11.
A Husband’s Heartbreaking Tribute
Samuel later confirmed the devastating news with a touching tribute online.
Sharing a photo of them together from their anniversary, he wrote: “My absolute world, my best friend and my beautiful darling wife.
I will love you forever and you will never leave my heart xxx.”
Remembering Abigail
In the wake of her passing, friends, family, and the equestrian community have been pouring out their grief.
A memorial website has been created in Abigail’s honor to raise funds for Mind, the mental health charity, and the Dog’s Trust.
The tribute reads: “This site is a tribute to Abigail Garside, who was born on November 24, 1994.
She is much loved and will always be remembered.
We hope that you find this tribute to Abigail a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.”
Outpouring of Love from Friends
Messages of love and disbelief have flooded social media.
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Jessica Goodier wrote: “Abbey was and always will be a shining star… So very sorry for your loss.”
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Emma Butterworth added: “Abbie was the most talented, bubbly and beautiful girl inside and out.”
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Lucinda Stockley-Battams said: “This is just heartbreaking. Abbey was kind and wonderful! I’m so sorry for your loss.”
A Star in the Horse-Riding World
Abigail was widely respected in equestrian circles.
She had competed at the highest level and won at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show in 2019.
The Ribble Valley Riding Club, where she had been a member for more than 20 years, described her passing as a moment of “great sadness.”
They wrote: “Abigail was a great supporter & highly valued member.
She will be sadly missed by everyone in the horse world that’s for sure.”
A Love Story Cut Short
Abigail and Samuel married just a year earlier, on August 17, 2024, at the Crow Wood Hotel and Spa in Burnley, Lancashire.
On that day, she posted: “Today I get to marry the man of my dreams.”
The couple’s happiness, so clearly displayed in their photos and words, makes her sudden passing even more devastating for those who knew her.
Funeral Plans
Abigail’s funeral will take place on September 2, with a horse-drawn carriage leading the procession from her home near Blackburn, Lancashire, to a nearby church.
It will be a final farewell that reflects her deep bond with the equestrian world.
What Comes Next
As the community waits for the results of the inquest, loved ones are left clinging to memories of Abigail’s warmth, talent, and vibrant spirit.
Her family and friends hope the memorial fund will provide a lasting legacy, helping others while keeping her memory alive.
