Her Life
A Young Woman Full of Life
Katie Simpson grew up with a passion for horses that defined her world. From a young age, the equestrian world was not simply a hobby for Katie — it was a way of life. She was known for her warmth, her laughter, and the quiet determination she brought to everything she did.
Those who knew Katie describe a young woman who lit up a room. She had a gift for connecting with people and animals alike, and her love of horses gave her a sense of freedom and belonging that was central to who she was.
Katie's life was cut short in circumstances that left her family with profound unanswered questions. The silence they faced — from institutions that should have helped them — became the foundation for something that would outlast the grief: The Katie Trust.
Her Passion
The Equestrian World
Horses were Katie's world. She rode with skill and dedication, and the equestrian community was a place where she felt truly at home. Her connection with horses was more than sport — it was a bond that spoke to her character: patient, gentle, and full of quiet courage.
The chestnut horse she rode was a symbol of that freedom. Images of Katie on horseback capture something essential about who she was — joyful, capable, and alive in a way that those who loved her will never forget.
Her Legacy
What Katie Left Behind
Katie's death, and the questions that followed, led her family on a long and painful journey through a system that too often fails the bereaved. It was that experience — of being unheard, of doors closing, of investigations falling short — that inspired the founding of The Katie Trust.
The Trust carries Katie's name because her story is not unique. Families across Ireland and beyond have faced the same silence. The Katie Trust exists to ensure that no family has to face it alone.
Katie's love of horses lives on in the Trust's identity and in its partnership with The Bridle Path Initiative CIC — an organisation that uses the equestrian world to support survivors of domestic abuse. In this way, Katie's spirit continues to shape lives she never had the chance to meet.
"Her memory is at the heart of everything we do."
Documentary
The Showjumper Murder — Channel 4
The Channel 4 documentary The Showjumper Murder tells Katie's story in full — the investigation, the questions that remained, and the determination of those who refused to let the truth be buried. It is essential viewing for anyone who wants to understand why The Katie Trust exists.
Watch on Channel 4If You Need Help
If you have lost a loved one in circumstances where questions remain, The Katie Trust is here. You do not need to donate to make an enquiry. We will listen.