A Gloucestershire woman’s passion for horse riding nearly proved fatal after a serious accident left her with multiple fractures, including a broken neck. Emma Bennett, 31, of Wotton-under-Edge, sustained her injuries on May 11 while working as a freelance rider at a racing yard.

Bennett had recently transitioned from an office job to pursue her dream of working with horses, a decision that took a dramatic turn during a ride on a thoroughbred mare. According to Bennett, the 16-hand bay horse suddenly bolted, reaching speeds of about 40 miles per hour. Faced with the uncontrollable horse racing toward a concrete surface at the end of a gallop, she made the split-second decision to jump off to avoid a potentially fatal fall.

She landed in a bush, briefly losing consciousness before being taken to an emergency department. Initially discharged with a sling, Bennett’s condition worsened at home, prompting a return to hospital where a CT scan revealed fractured vertebrae in her neck and spine, as well as a broken shoulder blade. Doctors identified fractures in three vertebrae in the neck, including a significant break in the C6 vertebra, which poses serious risks for spinal cord injury.

Bennett spent a week in hospital, wearing a neck brace and unable to move freely. Following discharge, she must continue to wear the brace for 12 weeks and undergo regular CT scans to monitor her recovery. Medical professionals cautioned her that another fall of this nature could result in paralysis.

Reflecting on the experience, Bennett described the terrifying moment when the horse bolted and the subsequent rush of adrenaline that initially masked the severity of her injuries. “There was nothing I could do to stop it,” she said, adding that she believed the horse running onto concrete would have resulted in her death had she not jumped off.

Despite the advice of surgeons warning her not to return to riding, Bennett remains attached to her own horse but acknowledges the likelihood that she will not ride at the same level again. She expressed a mix of determination and caution, recognizing the risks she faces but unwilling to completely give up her passion.

The incident highlights the hazards inherent in equestrian activities and the potential for severe injury, even among experienced riders. Bennett’s story underscores the importance of safety and the unpredictable nature of working with horses.