A man is in critical condition in hospital after a horse kick left him with face and head injuries yesterday morning.
It's understood the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter flew to the man on an inland farm near Porangahau about 10am.
Rescue services said the 45 year old sustained facial and head injuries when the horse kicked a wooden gate off its hinges, which then hit him in the face.
He was transported to Hawke's Bay Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital for further treatment.
A hospital spokeswoman said this morning that the man was still in a critical condition.