A talented champion horse rider died tragically after a heated argument with her husband during a luxury spa break to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, a coroner's court has heard.
A celebration turns to tragedy
Abigail Garside, 30, from Blackburn, Lancashire, was found dead in Harrogate town centre on the morning of August 18 last year. Just hours earlier, she and her husband, Samuel Garside, had posted jubilant photographs on Facebook marking their marriage milestone at the exclusive 300-acre Rudding Park resort.
The couple spent August 17 enjoying the spa, clinking Champagne glasses in a hot tub. Mrs Garside wrote online: 'Lovely day in Harrogate celebrating our first wedding anniversary with my love.' Her husband shared wedding photos, posting: '1 year since you became my wife!! I love you more and more every day, happy anniversary.'
The fatal combination of substances and a dispute
The inquest at Northallerton Coroner's Court heard the celebrations took a dark turn after the pair consumed alcohol and cocaine while visiting bars in Harrogate. An argument erupted at Mojo's bar after Mrs Garside became involved in a dispute over a pool cue.
The row continued back at their hotel room, where the accomplished dressage rider accused her project manager husband of not standing up for her. Mrs Garside 'stormed out' of the room between 2am and 2.30am, leaving her phone behind. Mr Garside fell asleep and awoke to find she had not returned.
A member of the public discovered her body shortly after 6.20am. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. Toxicology tests revealed a 'high level' of alcohol as well as cocaine in her blood.
A life full of promise cut short
Assistant Coroner for North Yorkshire, Sarah Middleton, recorded a narrative verdict. She stated the combination of alcohol and cocaine likely influenced Mrs Garside's actions, making her act in a way she would not normally.
'She had everything to live for,' Ms Middleton said. 'Abigail was a girl who loved life. She loved her husband, she was planning a life in Australia and loved her animals.' The coroner emphasised Mrs Garside had no mental health issues, was happily married, and she and her husband were weeks away from relocating to Australia with their three dachshunds.
The couple had secured visas and advertised their three-bed new-build home in Blackburn for rent. Earlier in the summer, Mrs Garside had posted a photo from Melbourne, revealing their 'new future home.'
Mrs Garside was a gifted equestrian, well-known in riding circles, having won at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show in 2019. Friends described her as a keen traveller and outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hiking, wild swimming and skydiving.
Her father, Andrew Leaver, told the inquest his daughter 'loved life' and her death was a 'complete shock.' Following her death, Mr Garside paid tribute on social media, calling her his 'absolute world' and 'best friend.' Ribble Valley Riding Club, where she had been a member for over 20 years, said she would be 'sadly missed by everyone in the horse world.'
