Family of crushed Vic horse rider 'aching'

The family of a young Victorian equestrian star killed during a major cross-country riding competition in Sydney are aching for the gifted, spirited and quietly determined teen.

Caitlyn Fischer, 19, from Bairnsdale in eastern Victoria, was competing at the Sydney International Horse Trials on Saturday when her horse Ralphie fell at a gate.

Ms Fischer was crushed under him and died at the scene.

Parents Alisa Carr and Mark Fischer, and brother Kristofer, said Ms Fischer's horses loved her and she loved them in return.

"The main boy in her life was her best friend Ralphie and as a family we were so proud of the dedication that Caitlyn showed her horses," they said in a statement.

"Even during her final year of school, Caitlyn would wake at 4:30 every morning to make sure Ralph was exercised and fed."

They are pleased Ralph did not sustain any serious injuries and will return to Victoria soon.

The horse-riding community continues to pay tribute to the teenager with the hashtag #RideonCaitlynFischer, which trended on Twitter after the tragic news broke on Saturday.

The three-day competition was cancelled after the accident.

Ms Fischer's death comes after fellow equestrian teen Olivia Inglis died while competing in the NSW Hunter Valley in March.