German rider killed in cross-country fall

German rider Benjamin Winter killed in a fall during a cross-country event at Luhmuhlen in Germany where a horse was killed in a separate incident.

German rider Benjamin Winter killed in a fall during a cross-country event at Luhmuhlen in Germany. (AAP)

German showjumper Benjamin Winter died on Saturday after suffering head injuries in a three-day eventing competition in Luhmuhlen, organisers announced. He was 25.

Winter, lying 14th after the dressage, fell heavily while clearing an obstacle during the cross country stage, and was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

His 10-year-old gelding Isbo was uninjured.

Winter, from Dresden, had earlier completed the circuit without any errors with another horse, Wild Thing.

The day was also marred by the death of a horse for the second year running.

Liberal, a 15-year-old gelding ridden by British rider Tom Crisp, collapsed and died after clearing a jump.

Last year, P'tite bombe, a 10-year-old ridden by French rider Emeric George, had to be destroyed after a fall during the cross country stage.