Police appeal after horse rider suffers serious head injuries

Police are appealing for witnesses after a horse rider was left with potentially life-changing injuries.
Coalford Lane, where the incident happened.Coalford Lane, where the incident happened.
Coalford Lane, where the incident happened.

The 45-year-old woman was riding her horse with a friend, who was on a separate horse, along Coalford Lane, next to the junction which leads to Coalford Lane Farm in Littletown, on Sunday, January 24.

As the two women approached the junction, between 11am and noon, they had to wait for a car to clear the track and then turn onto the main road.

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At this point a second car – described as blue, possibly a hatchback – had pulled up behind them on Coalford Lane.

As the first car cleared the area the second vehicle started to accelerate away, causing the two horses to bolt.

Although both riders managed to get the animals under control one of the horses then bolted for a second time, throwing the rider to the ground.

Air ambulance and paramedics attended the scene and the woman was taken to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough, where she is still receiving treatment.

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The incident was dealt with at the time solely by the ambulance service, but at the weekend the victim’s sister contacted police to report it officially.

Officers are now hoping to trace either of the drivers in case they have information which could help their enquiries.

PC Ian Cousins from the road policing unit said; “We would like to speak to the drivers purely as witnesses, there is no suggestion they have collided with either horse or driven in an irresponsible manner.

“The victim has been left with potentially life-changing injuries and remains in a serious condition.”

Anyone who has information is asked to ring police on 101.