Showjumper, 60, dies after falling from horse in horror accident as tributes pour in to ‘greatly respected’ athlete

A SHOWJUMPER had died after falling from his horse in a horror accident.

Tributes have flooded in for the “greatly respected athlete.”

Chris Moyce, 60, from Canterbury, had been riding in the warm-up at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire on April 4.

He represented Britain at events and taught in the area.

It has now been confirmed Mr Moyce died in hospital on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for British Showjumping said: “It is with great sadness and regret that we confirm Chris Moyce passed away in hospital on April 15.

“A well-respected producer of showjumpers for many years – including Pjort, who went on to international success with Geoff Luckett while still in his ownership – Chris will be much missed and mourned by the showjumping community.

“All at British Showjumping would like to extend our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.”

Close friend and fellow showjumper Heidi Luck said: “Chris passed away peacefully without regaining consciousness.

“On behalf of [his partner] Mark and the rest of Chris’s family, we would like to say Chris loved being a showjumper and it gives us some small comfort that he spent his last day doing his most favourite thing in the world.

“Mark and the family would like to thank everyone for all their support during this difficult time.”

Iain Graham, Chief Executive of British Showjumping, said: “Chris supported showjumping in many ways and was greatly respected by officials, staff and fellow competitors.

“He was always encouraging to those starting off in the sport and gave a lot of his time in helping British Showjumping activities in his area.”