THE parents of a nine-year-old horse rider watched in horror as their daughter fell and was crushed by her mount.

The girl, who has not been named, was left unconscious with head injuries after the accident on a practice jump at Hanbury, near Droitwich.

She was flown to the Diana, Princess of Wales Children's Hospital in Birmingham by air ambulance after the 10am incident yesterday and was recovering today.

She had been taking part in a two-phase event organised by the county branch of the Pony Club Parents' Association, at Goose Hill Road.

"The accident happened as she went over one of the cross-country practice fences," said organiser Martin Cox. "Her parents were watching.

"She was attended by the two Wyre Forest ambulance crews on-site and our doctor, Helena Amey. I'm led to believe she was unconscious."

The youngster was described as being in a stable condition today.

"She's come through the night, but the next 24 hours to two days will be crucial," said a Worcester police spokesman.