A TEENAGER has been left traumatised after her horse broke its neck and bled to death in front of horrified onlookers at a riding competition.

The bay thoroughbred belonging to 19-year-old Francesca Appleton, of Natland Road, Kendal, was being loaded into a trailer when it reared up and fell backwards.

The teen’s mother, Maria, said the accident at Sunday’s Lakes Riding Club competition at Crooklands had left them both devastated.

“It was a tragic accident, I’m in pieces over it,” said Mrs Appleton. “There was nobody at fault but it was upsetting that children had to see it.”

The horse, called Monty, had been taken to Crooklands from a yard at nearby Crosscrake to compete in the competition attended by around 60 Lakes Riding Club members.

Their horse transporter broke down on the way to the event and they decided to walk the horse to Crooklands.

At the show Miss Appleton’s horse was unsettled and the pair decided to take it home without competing.

A friend offered transport but when the pair tried to load their horse into the trailer it reared up, fell back and broke its neck, severing an artery.

The horse was restrained by club members who held it to the ground while a vet rushed to the scene.

Denis Norden, a friend of the Appletons, said the experience had been shocking. “Francesca can’t even go and see her mother’s horse because she has been too shaken up,” said Mr Norden. “There was blood everywhere but no screen to shield the sight from children.”

Lakes Riding Club chairwoman Jane Strong said the family were upset and, although club members followed all the relevant safety procedures the accident could not have been prevented.

“My heart goes out to the owners,” said the club’s secretary, who did not wish to be named. “Horses can rear, roll over and get back up without a scratch – it was just terrible that this wasn’t what happened here.

“The vet arrived within ten minutes but there was nothing anyone could do.

“The owners were absolutely devastated and they have my deepest sympathy.”

Mrs Appleton has sent a message to Lakes Riding Club members thanking friends and strangers for their support.

“We don’t know who everyone one was but thank you all for your actions and your thoughts,” she said.