In what has been described as a “tragic accident”, a 19-year-old woman has died after falling from her horse during an equestrian event in New South Wales.

Caitlyn Fischer, from Bairnsdale, Victoria, fell around 10:40am on Saturday during the cross-country competition of the Sydney International Horse Trials on Saxony Road in Horsley Park in the city’s west.

She was attended to by an on-course doctor and paramedic but could not be revived.

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Organisers of the trials have released a statement saying that it is with the “deepest regret” that they announce the death of competitor Caitlyn Fischer in a “fatal accident”.

Equestrian Australia chairwoman Judy Fasher said the horse caught its foot on the fence as it was jumping and fell onto Ms Fischer.

“I don’t know how it actually happened, but the horse fell and fell on the rider,” Ms Fasher said.

Ms Fischer’s mother was in attendance at the event and her father and brother are flying to Sydney.

“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,” Ms Fasher added.

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

She said Ms Fischer was a young but experienced rider.

“We scrutinise very carefully the level of experience that riders have and she would not have been allowed to enter this competition unless she had [the appropriate experience],” she said.

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

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 in a stable condition.

Hundreds of tributes and condolence messages were posted to social media on Saturday.

This is the second equestrian accident to take the life of a teenager in 2016 – 17-year-old Olivia Inglis was killed in March at another NSW horse trial.

“The sport has its dangers, but obviously it’s just a total tragedy that we’ve had these two occurrences,” Australian equestrian Wayne Roycroft told Fairfax Media.

“We would almost say they’re freak occurrences. There’s no real answer to how or why. They’re accidents that happen.

“As much as we hate it, to be honest with you it’s part of our sport. We would dearly love to say you can’t have any accidents.”

NSW Police has commenced investigations into Saturday’s accident.

– with AAP