Tributes flow after fatal equestrian fall

Victorian teenager Caitlyn Fischer has died while competing in the Sydney International Horse Trials after falling from her horse.

A teenager who died in competition at a major equestrian event in Sydney has been described as a talented rider who deeply loved the sport.

Caitlyn Fischer, 19, from Bairnsdale in Victoria, fatally fell from her horse at fence two of a cross country event at the Sydney International Horse Trials on Saturday morning.

She was attended to by an on-course doctor and paramedic at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre in the city's west, but could not be revived.

Her death has brought an end to the three-day event, which was also hosting trials for the Rio Olympics.

Equestrian Australia has extended its condolences to Ms Fischer's family on behalf of the sport.

"The thoughts and prayers of horse people all over the country are with Caitlyn's family and friends at this sad time," chair Judy Fasher told reporters in Sydney on Saturday.

Bairnsdale Pony Club district commissioner Janine Bromwich said Ms Fischer was a "bright, bubbly kid" who was committed to the sport.

"She was very, very committed in everything she did," Ms Bromwich told Fairfax.

"She was part of our state games team and she actually left pony club to pursue horse trials."

Ms Fischer's horse Ralphie is under the supervision of veterinarians but is in a stable condition.

Hundreds of tributes and condolence messages had been posted to social media by Saturday afternoon.

"We are all deeply saddened by the tragic incident this morning," Equestrian Life magazine posted on Facebook.

Her death comes after the passing of rising teenage equestrian star Olivia Inglis, who was killed while competing in the state's Hunter Valley in March.

NSW Police has commenced investigations into Saturday's accident.


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Source: AAP



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Tributes flow after fatal equestrian fall | SBS News