He was the longest serving FEI member, having joined in 1956 as the first ever Latin American representative on the Board after meeting then President Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands.

From 1965 he held the position of second and then first vice-president until he stepped down in 1981.

"The Bureau will not be the same without you," Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, FEI President from 1964 to 1986, wrote to Mayorga upon his retirement.

He was also a technical delegate in jumping and eventing, President of the Ground Jury in Jumping, and a member of the Appeal Committee at key events, including four Olympic Games - Tokyo 1964, Mexico City 1968, Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976.

Before his sports administration career, Mayorga was a successful competitor in equestrian events and placed fourth in the jumping competition at the 1956 Olympic Games when the competition was held in Stockholm because of Australia's strict quarantine laws.

He also featured on the Argentine jumping squad for the 1955 and 1959 Pan American Games in Mexico City and Chicago, respectively.

The sport also led him to meet rider Elena Argañaràz, whom he later married and had five children with, three are involved in equestrian - Eduardo, Juan Francisco and current FEI second vice-president Pablo Mayorga.

"I believe I will never be able to contribute to our FEI as much as my father did during his 25 years as bureau member and vice-president," Pablo said.

FEI President Princess Haya also paid tribute to Mayorga.

"The passing of Pedro Oscar Mayorga comes as very sad news to us all," she said.

"He was a talented rider, a successful chef d'équipe, a much respected official, the longest serving FEI Bureau member and vice-president, and a real gentleman whom I admired very much.

"He dedicated his long life to serving our sport and the contribution he has made in his various roles is truly exceptional.

"Our thoughts are with his family and especially with our dear friend, FEI second vice-president Pablo Mayorga, at this time of mourning.

"Pedro Oscar Mayorga's legacy will live on through his son."

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