PARAMEDICS called to help a stricken rider who had been thrown from her horse jumped aboard a narrowboat to try to rescue her.
The 45-year-old woman, from Droitwich, suffered leg wounds and possible back and head injuries when her mount bolted and crashed through a wooden gate.
An ambulance crew tried to reach her on foot because the canal towpath she was riding along was too narrow for the vehicle - even climbing on to a passing narrowboat to try to reach her.
But the air ambulance arrived, lifted her on to a spinal board and flew her to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
The accident happened at about 1.45pm on Friday on the bank of the Worcester to Birmingham canal, at Dunhampstead, near Droitwich.
According to witnesses, a cyclist approached the rider from behind, which frightened the horse.
Dave Turner, of the County Air Ambulance, said: "A push bike came up behind her and she stopped to let it by. He passed but as he did, the horse bolted and went crashing through a gate."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article