Fourteen-year-old Jessica Forsyth of Roseville was known for her love of animals.
"She was always smiling, and she could get anyone's animal to do just about anything," said family friend Tara Lang.
But the Roseville High School freshman's life was cut short on Wednesday as she was riding a horse in a field in Elverta.
The Sacramento County Coroner's Office said Jessica, who was wearing a helmet, was found on the ground with head trauma believed caused by a horse falling on her.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1240 Junction Blvd., Roseville.
At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, friends are invited to participate in a candlelight vigil in front of the home of Jessica's parents, Craig and Angela Forsyth, in the 3200 block of Big Bear Drive, Roseville.
Jessica's student friends from Roseville and Woodcreek high schools are encouraged to wear their school colors or sports uniforms at the vigil in a show of unity, said family friend Leilani Kinzler.
Viewing of the body will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Price Funeral Chapel, 6335 Sunrise Blvd., Citrus Heights.
Lang recalled Jessica as a "spitfire" who had boundless energy. She also marveled at Jessica's ability to teach animals to do tricks.
"She would point her finger as if it were a gun at her pet terrier and say 'bang' and the dog would flip over like it had been shot," Lang said.
"The dog would lie there on her back and with her paws up in the air. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen."
Jessica also taught her horse, Boomer, how to smile, Lang said.
Kinzler said a memorial fund in Jessica's name is being set up at Granite Community Bank in Roseville. Contact the bank for more information at (916) 788-8200.
Call The Bee's Art Campos, (916) 773-2825.
