RIDER Karen Breakspear's horse was left seriously injured after they were in collision with a car as they rode along the A360 on Saturday, December 2.

Mrs Breakspear, 33, of Ryeleaze, Potterne, was thrown in the air and suffered whiplash injuries and extensive bruising while her ten-year-old New Forest pony Pagan is seriously injured at a specialist equine clinic in Malmesbury.

The accident happened shortly before 1pm on Saturday as the two made their way home from a hacking trip.

Mrs Breakspear said: "I looked behind me and saw this red car about 30 yards away. The next thing I knew I was flying through the air.

"I picked myself up and saw Pagan running down the road, blood pouring from a terrible wound on her backside."

Police halted traffic until Pagan was caught and taken to Wilsley Equine Clinic. It was 9pm before Mrs Breakspear was able to go to Devizes Hospital for treatment to her own injuries.

She said: "I am so angry about this. It is not the first time this kind of thing has happened and next time someone may be killed. The annoying thing is we shouldn't have had to be on that road. Our normal bridle path is impassable because it is shoulder deep in mud."

If Pagan survives his injuries, he will be at the clinic for at least three weeks. Mrs Breakspear is consulting a solicitor .

The British Horse Society is concerned about the growing number of accidents involving horses. A spokesman said: "Horses are part of the traffic according to the Highway Code so have a right to be on the road. Motorists should drive with caution when approaching horses."