A STAVELEY mother-of-two highly regarded in the equestrian world is in a critical condition after being knocked down and trampled on by a horse.

Jannet Bowness, of Park House, required surgery on her head following the accident at her home, where she keeps and trains horses.

Her mother, Beryl Wilson, who also lives in the South Lakeland village, said she was being sedated for possibly another 24 hours.

“She has head injuries and her husband Andrew is at her bedside, keeping us informed,” she said.

“It is a very worrying time but doctors have been pleased with how she is doing in the situation and everything is going according to how we would want.”

The 51-year-old had gone to ride the Welsh Cob which was at the livery stables for schooling, when it pushed her over yesterday morning.

Mrs Bowness’ dad Tom Wilson said: “She had gone through the gate and was going to put the headgear on the horse when it pushed its way pasted and knocked her over. It then galloped over her and caught her head with its back leg.”

The Great North Air Ambulance Pride of Cumbria helicopter attended and anesthetized Mrs Bowness at the scene at 8.10am, before flying her to the Royal Preston Hospital, where she remains. And her mother added that she did not know what caused the horse to run but that it was a just ‘a pure accident’.

“Something must have been worrying it – maybe it was in season we just do not know. But it was not a nasty horse or anything like that.

“The owner is absolutely devastated that this has happened.”

Mrs Bowness, who is mother to Queen Katherine School, Kendal, pupils Robyn and Tyler, has won many competitions with her horses, as well as judged events.

“She is very experienced and holds a British Horse Society Instructor qualification. She loves the animals and this will not put her off at all,” said Mrs Wilson.