In this image taken from television, South Korean rider Kim Hyung-chil falls from his horse Bundaberg Black during the cross country section of the equestrian three day eventing competition at the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, Thursday Dec. 7, 2006. Kim Hyung-chil died after the fall in rainy conditions on Thursday. He was 47.[AP]   DOHA, Qatar, Dec.8 - South Korean eventer Kim Hyung-chil was crushed by his horse after missing a jump on a muddy equestrian course at the Asian Games on Thursday, raising concern over how organizers managed the event.

 

It was the first death of a competitor in the 55-year history of the Asian Games. Kim, a 47-year-old father of two, died after his gelding Bundaberg Black missed the eighth fence on the cross-country course, threw the rider and then rolled over him.

 

South Korean Olympic officials said they believed poor course conditions due to heavy rain and horse fatigue from the event's tight schedule may have contributed to the accident. They also expressed disappointment organizers decided to resume competition just hours later, before the South Koreans had decided whether to continue to field their team.

 

"This should be investigated to determine whether it was because of rain or because of mismanagement of the competition," South Korean Olympic President Kim Jung-kil said.