Horse And Rider Killed In Fall At Old Borges Ranch In Walnut Creek Monday

A 64-year-old Benicia woman was killed along with her horse after a a fall into a steep ravine at Old Borges Ranch, 1035 Castle Rock Rd., in Walnut Creek Monday.

Robert Marshall, fire marshal for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, said the rider – identified Tuesday as Cynthia Naboisek – was on a trail bordered by a steep ravine in that area when, for reasons unknown, her horse plunged over the side – taking Naboisek with it – just after 3 p.m.

Walnut Creek police investigators said the mishap occurred on the Twin Ponds Loop Trail, well known to local hikers and riders, but said they did not know what caused the animal to leave the trail and plunge down the ravine with its rider.

Someone, it was not immediately known if it was a fellow rider or bystander who happened to see the accident, scrambled down to the pair and passed news along that Naboisek had suffered a serious trauma in the fall and was feared dead.

Firefighters and a sheriff’s helicopter responded immediately to the area but were able only to confirm the fatalities, Marshall said.

While equestrian accidents are not rare in an area known for its active riding community, fatal accidents are uncommon. Hundreds of members of the riding community have contacted this site inquiring about the identity of the rider overnight.