A horse rider who was kicked in the ribs and airlifted to hospital has told how she is “lucky to be alive”.
Trish Dobson, 37, was leading her three-year-old Friesian horse ‘Spirit’ from Rose Dene Barn Stables in Oswaldtwistle into a field when it bolted.
The mum-of-two, of Rhoden Farm barn, off New Lane in Oswaldtwistle, was taken by Air Ambulance to Royal Preston Hospital with two broken ribs and damage to her liver.
Trish, who has been horse riding for more than 25 years, was released from hospital after two days of treatment and is now resting at home.
She said: “In a way it just shows that around animals you have to be on your heels.
“Unfortunately there have been a few incidents in the past few years around here where people have died, but God must have been looking over me. I’m lucky to be alive.
“When I went to take the horse out into the field I was in the way when I let it off and it kicked out.
“They wanted to keep me in (hospital) because my liver was bleeding.”
Her husband Tony, who is a Hyndburn councillor and former Mayor, said she had suffered previous horse riding accidents, but was determined to continue.
He said: “She’s out of hospital now and resting and recuperating at home.
“She’s still very sore, but making good progress.
“In the past she’s had a broken elbow and collarbone through horse riding.
“We are slowly having to rebuild her.
“It’s something that she loves doing, and when you love it you love it.”
The North West Air Ambulance was called to the field at around 5pm on Monday, May 13.
The relieved couple are so grateful for its help that they now want to hold a series of events to raise money for the charity.
