Rio hopefuls compete after rider's death

A week after the death of equestrian rider Caitlyn Fischer, the Sydney International Horse Trials has re-started to allow Olympic hopefuls to qualify.

Rio hopefuls for Australia's equestrian team have re-started their Olympic qualifying events, after the death of Caitlyn Fischer cut short the Sydney International Horse Trials.

During the cross country stage of the competition last Saturday, the 19-year-old fell from her horse and was fatally injured.

Out of respect to Fischer and her grieving family, riders and organisers cancelled the rest of the competition.

However organisers re-started the event for senior riders on Friday, with organisers noting several need the event to qualify for Rio later this year.

Equestrian Australia chair Judy Fasher said Fischer's mother Aisla Carr told her that her daughter would have wanted the competition to go on.

"She wanted all of the riders, the volunteers and event organisers to know that Caitlyn's family absolutely endorsed the decision for events to go ahead and that it was her feeling that it would have been Caitlyn's wish as well," Ms Fasher said.

The Horsley Park event, which involves dressage, cross country and show jumping over three days, is open to the public.

Fischer will be remembered during a minute of silence after the show jumping on Sunday, a statement from Equestrian Australia said.


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Source: AAP



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Rio hopefuls compete after rider's death | SBS News