PROTECTIVE clothing protected a horse rider from suffering more significant injuries after she fell off her horse at an equestrianism competition.

The 25-year-old woman suffered a number of injuries after she fell and ended up with her mount landing on top of her at Cockshutts Farm in Bromyard just before 11.40am.

Thankfully, she was wearing a helmet and protective clothing which undoubtedly saved her from further damage.

The woman was airlifted to hospital with suspected fractures to her ribs and right shoulder.

West Midlands Ambulance Service sent an ambulance, a community paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham to the scene.

A WMAS spokesman said: “Ambulance staff were told that the 25-year-old woman fell whilst attempting a jump and to make matters worse, the horse then landed on top of her.

“Event medical staff reported that she initially suffered a reduced level of consciousness and had immobilised her with the use of a scoop stretcher prior to our arrival.

“Following assessment from ambulance staff, she was treated for chest pain and suspected fractures to her ribs and right shoulder.

"Pain relief was administered on scene before she was airlifted to Hereford County Hospital.

“The fact she was wearing full protective clothing certainly saved her from more significant injuries and demonstrates the importance of doing so whenever out on horseback.”