An elderly showjumper has 'died doing what he loves' following a fall from his horse while competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

Horse stumbled

Donald V Little was thrown when his horse stumbled at a fence during the Masters Classic in the International Arena. He injured his neck and sadly died three days later.

The rider from Massachusetts was in his late seventies, but still a regular competitor on the showjumping circuit. He had come third in the Masters Jumper 50 & older veterans’ class the day before.

Loved and respected

“I will miss him so much,” said Judy, his wife of 57 years. “He was loved and respected by so many people, including his fellow competitors and team members in polo, hunting, showjumping and racing as well as other aspects of his life.”