Services set for UConn grad killed in horsing accident

Funeral services have been set for Samantha Calzone, who died in a horsing accident on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019 in Dover, N.Y. New York State Police said the accident happened around 10:45 a.m. at a family farm on Byrds Hill Road. The investigation determined “the horse reared for an unknown reason, and fell on top of the rider.” According to her death notice, “Samantha Marie Pritchard Calzone passed away doing what she loved most in this life: riding horses.” less Funeral services have been set for Samantha Calzone, who died in a horsing accident on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019 in Dover, N.Y. New York State Police said the accident happened around 10:45 a.m. at a family farm ... more Photo: Contributed Photo Photo: Contributed Photo Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Services set for UConn grad killed in horsing accident 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

Services have been set for Samantha Calzone, a Greenwich resident who died in a horseback-riding accident on Monday in Dover, N.Y.

New York State Police said the accident happened around 10:45 a.m. at a family farm on Byrds Hill Road. The investigation determined “the horse reared for an unknown reason, and fell on top of the rider.”

She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Calzone, 23, was raised in Redding and lived in Greenwich.

According to her death notice, “Samantha Marie Pritchard Calzone passed away doing what she loved most in this life: riding horses.”

Services will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home on 2900 Summer St. in Stamford.

She was born in Redding, “where her passion for horses bloomed throughout elementary and middle school. She began riding at age 9 and quickly rose as a top competitor, winning blue ribbons in show jumping all along the East Coast.”

She moved to East Islip, N.Y., where she graduated from East Islip High School with honors.

In 2014, Calzone was accepted into the animal science program at the University of Connecticut and joined the equestrian team. She was elected and served as captain for two years and “was adored as a kind, talented mentor for her teammates,” according to her death notice.

Calzone told a UConn publication that she had been an animal lover since she was a child.

“I have always been the girl that has to pet all of the dogs she sees,” she told the college newsletter when she was a senior. “I find science, as a whole, interesting. So, combining my love for science and love for animals is perfect for me.”

She also volunteered during two of her spring breaks in Mississippi and Florida, where she helped with hurricane relief projects. She graduated magna cum laude from UConn in June 2018.

“Ever chasing her passion, Samantha then enrolled at Hartpury University in England to complete her master’s degree in equine science with a focus on rehabilitation. She had just returned stateside in July of 2019 and was happy to be reunited with her family and boyfriend, Michael,” her death notice said.

“Samantha was quickly hired by Takoda Farm and it was there, pursuing her passion, that a horse reared and fell on top of her. She did not suffer.”

She is survived by her mother, Ruthann Pritchard; father Peter Calzone; sister Brittany Calzone; grandparents Jean and Rocco Calzone; family members James Holodak Jr. and Kathy Palmer; boyfriend Michael Iranpour; and countless aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The UConn Equestrian Team posted the following notice about Calzone, “She served as a mentor and a true ray of sunshine to UCET and all people who were lucky enough to know her. Sam was a true horsewoman and loved our sport, and these animals, with her whole heart.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the EQUUS Foundation. Indicate that the donation is made in Samantha Calzone’s honor as a memorial award will be created in her honor.

For more information or to send a donation: mail to EQUUS Foundation, Inc. 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880; call 203-259-1550; send email to mail@equusfoundation.org or visit www.equusfoundation.org