A RIDING instructor was crushed to death when her horse fell on top of her in a freak accident.

Samantha Hudson, aged 33, was pronounced dead at the scene following the tragedy at the annual Springhill one-day event at Moreton-in-Marsh near Broadway, yesterday.

Miss Hudson, from Colwall Green, near Malvern, was riding her own horse, Night Light VI, in the cross-country trial when it fell at a fence on top of her.

Paramedics treated Miss Hudson but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The event was cancelled after the accident at 12.15pm.

Audrey Brewer, district commissioner for Ledbury Hunt and Pony Club, paid tribute to Miss Hudson, who taught children at the club to ride.

"This is a terrible tragedy and she will be sorely missed," she said.

Sympathy

"The children loved her and she was teaching about 14 children on Sunday to go to an event at a horse trial today.

"Every Saturday she would give riding lessons and was always willing to help out in any way she could.

"She was the life and soul of any party and was very witty and funny.

"It was a joy to be around her and her death will leave a hole in our lives."

A spokesman for British Eventing, which organised the Springhill event, said Miss Hudson's horse was jumping a log over a ditch when the tragedy occurred.

"On behalf of the whole sport, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Samantha's family," said Jane Holderness-Roddam, chairman of British Eventing.

"The thoughts and prayers of eventing people all over the country are with them at this sad time."