Pitt, who was being treated for rare lung condition pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, finished in equal eighth place in Athens nine years ago and remained on the world class performance programme ever since, making up part of the British Para-dressage team that won gold at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, where she also secured individual bronze.

Her most recent achievement came less than a month ago when she and long-term partner Estralita, owned by her parents, claimed the Grade II title at British Dressage's Winter Championships at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire.

British Equestrian Federation performance director Will Connell led the tributes to Pitt.

"Jo was a stalwart of Para-equestrian dressage and has fought hard over the last year to establish herself once again as a real medal contender for Great Britain," he said.

"Jo made her Paralympic debut in Athens in 2004 and has remained part of the Equestrian world class programme ever since.

"On behalf of the whole of the world class programme I would like to extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to Jo's family, fiancé and friends at this sad time.

"She will be fondly remembered and missed by the whole of the Para-equestrian dressage and world class programme community."

Para-equestrian dressage performance manager David Hunter paid his respects to the athlete saying, "she had everything going for her" at the moment of her untimely death.


"It is difficult to comprehend that ten days ago Jo was her fit and healthy self, training her horses each day and determined to make selection for the European Championships in August," he explained.

"She had started the competition season with renewed vigour and only five weeks ago was competing at a major international competition in Deauville, France.

"She had recently moved to Norfolk and had just moved into a new family home.

"She had everything going for her.

"She will be greatly missed and never forgotten."

His words were echoed by British Dressage chief executive Amanda Bond, who said: "Everyone in the dressage community will be shocked and saddened by losing Jo so suddenly.

"She was an integral part of Para-dressage for so many years.

"Our hearts and prayers go to her family and friends, especially her parents Bob and Hazel who dedicated so much to their beloved daughter; no one was more proud each time she rode.

"Jo was someone who quietly got on with things and never let defeat or a run of bad form get her down.

"The way she came out fighting this season with renewed vigour should be an inspiration to all; her dogged determination to always improve will be a lasting memory of this special rider."

Pitt passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon with her family beside her.

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