Showjumping’s reigning Olympic champion horse Hickstead has died at a World Cup event in Verona.

Dramatic jump and big tragedy !

WARNING: this video shows the death of an animal and may be disturbing to some viewers.

As a mark of respect, riders and organisers decided not to continue with the competition, which was the fourth of this season’s World Cup series qualifiers.

The 15-year-old stallion was one of showjumping’s most successful horses, taking Olympic gold with Lamaze in Hong Kong three years ago, and winning countless grands prix and Nations Cup events worldwide.