SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

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.

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

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.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"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.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world