The 58-year-old fell from his home-bred, 10-year-old gelding MP Sifax, on the second loop of a CEI2* 120 kilometres ride on Saturday (September 24).

There were no witnesses to the incident, but the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) said it is thought that the horse failed to make a turn on the track and jumped a small canal.

Organisers cancelled the rest of the day’s events and a full police investigation has been launched to look into the circumstances of the accident, in which the horse was uninjured.

Valdés Barros, who lived just outside Chile’s capital Santiago, had worked with horses all his life.

He had competed in endurance events at national level in Chile for more than a decade and internationally for the past two seasons.

This was his second CEI2* event with MP Sifax, having finished 12th at their last outing in May in Matetic in Chile.

"We send our deepest condolences to Hugo’s wife María Pía, sons Cristián and Ignacio and daughter María Elisa, and his relatives and friends," said Cristian Herrera, President of the Chilean Association of Equestrian Endurance.

"Hugo was an exceptional man.

"His passion for the sport of endurance and his love for horses will remain with us.

"May his soul rest in peace."

FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibáñez added: "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Hugo Valdés Barros.

"The FEI and the global equestrian family send our deep condolences and support to Chile at this very difficult time."

A funeral mass has been held at the Church of Santa Elena in Santiago, and a memorial service for Valdés Barros’ fellow riders and friends will be held at the Cementerio Parque del Recuerdo in Huechuraba on Saturday (October 1).

"As the President of the ground jury at Llay Llay, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Hugo Valdés Barros and to the whole endurance family," said FEI official Elizabeth Huyghe. 

Valdés Barros' death comes just a few months after Australian equestrian rider Caitlyn Fischer died following a fatal accident while competing at the Sydney International Horse Trials.

Fischer, from Bairnsdale in Victoria, was riding the 12-year-old gelding Ralphie in a one-star cross-country competition when the accident occurred at fence two.

Immediate medical attention was provided by the on-course paramedic and doctor but the 19-year-old was unable to be revived.

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