A promising young rider is today in a serious but stable condition at Wellington Hospital after her horse bucked and then kicked her as she fell at an event at Takapau, yesterday morning.
Lauren Dolan, from Dannevirke, was competing at the Hawke's Bay Area Pony Club & Central & Southern HB Eventing ODE & Area Trial at Arran Station when she was injured.
Ms Dolan, 18, works for eventing rider and NZ Talent Development Squad member Amanda Pottinger who said that the horse bucked her off, and then kicked out with both hind feet hitting her in the face.
Ms Pottinger was at Ms Dolan's side while they waited for the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter that was called out at 10.30am.
An Intensive Care Paramedic from Medics On Scene attended to Ms Dolan who also sustained a broken collarbone.