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New Zealand rider dies in fall at English horse trials

CONGLETON, England, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A rider from New Zealand was killed in a fall while competing in a cross-country event in England.

Tom Gadsby, 26, died Sunday afternoon during horse trials at Somerford Park in Cheshire, Horse & Country reported. Gadsby was a professional in eventing, which combines dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding.

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Gadsby fell at a fence. His horse was not hurt.

The rest of the trials were canceled.

After competing as a show jumper for several years, Gadsby turned to eventing. He was living in England, competing on horses owned by Tiny Clapham, a former Olympic rider who is based in Cambridgeshire.

Equestrian Sports New Zealand chief executive Jim Ellis issued a statement of condolence to Gadsby's family and friends.

"Tom was a talented show jumper and eventer who was in Europe to fulfill his dream of competing as a professional event rider -- a dream he achieved but which has been tragically cut short," Ellis said.

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