A WOMAN who died after being kicked in the head by her horse was a competent rider who regularly took part in competitions, an inquest heard.

Shop assistant Christine Dewhurst, 24, was described as an accomplished rider by her mother, Jennifer.

Mrs Dewhurst told the hearing in Blackburn that Christine, who lived with her parents at Chapel Rise, Billington, was bought her first horse when she was just 13 and had been riding since.

Christine, who worked at Johnson's Cleaners in Clitheroe, was also an active gymnast and dancer.

The inquest heard Christine was competing at Osbaldeston Hall Farm Riding School, in Osbaldeston Lane, in the Ribble Valley, when she sustained the severe head injuries, which later proved fatal.

Witnesses told Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley coroner Michael Singleton her hunter horse, which Christine had owned for two years and was described as good-natured, refused to jump a fence, causing Christine to slip to the side of the horse.

Although wearing safety stirrups -- which should allow the foot to slide free easily -- Christine became stuck.

As she tried to free herself, she slipped to the back of the horse, which, startled, started to canter out of the arena, dragging Christine along.

Rachel Dixon, who was competing at the same event, said she heard a "loud crack" and saw Christine slump from the horse.

Christine was placed on a spinal board and taken by ambulance to the Royal Preston Hospital where she twice underwent vital surgery. She died five days later.

A post-mortem examination revealed Christine had sustained brain damage, which gave her very little chance of survival.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Singleton extended his sympathies to the family.