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Teen Equestrian Dies After Falling From A Horse In Sydney's West

Teen Equestrian Dies After Falling From Horse In Sydney's West
Fairfax/Main Event Photography

Hundreds of tributes have flowed for 19-year-old Caitlyn Fischer who was fatally injured after being crushed by her horse while competing in the Sydney International Horse Trials on Saturday.

Organisers said Fischer was riding her horse, Ralphie, in the one star competition when the horse's foot caught on the second fence.

The horse then fell on top of Ms Fischer.

A doctor and paramedic on the course rushed to the teenager's aid, however she could not be revived. Her horse remains under observation and is in a stable condition.

Caitlyn Fischer

"On behalf of the whole sport, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Caitlyn's parents Alissa Carr and Mark Fischer and her family," Equestrian Australia Chairwoman Judy Fasher said in a statement.

"The thoughts and prayers of horse people all over the country are with Caitlyn's family and friends at this sad time."

Fairfield Police have commenced an investigation in to the incident and a Coroner's report will be prepared.

The trials, scheduled to run over the weekend, have been cancelled.

Olympian rider Shane Ross addressed reporters on Saturday and said that the sport carried inherent risks.

"For this to occur so suddenly after Olivia Inglis is a massive shock to everyone," he said.

"There are risks in riding horses, I have firsthand experience of being injured."

This is the second recent tragedy to hit the equestrian community following the death of 17-year-old Olivia Inglis on March 7 after she fell from her horse at a competition in the Hunter Valley.

On Saturday night and Sunday morning, twitter users paid tribute to Fischer using the hashtag "#rideforcaitlyn".

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