A woman suffered a broken back and her horse was killed after a collision with a van in the New Forest.

Cheryl Kirkhope was returning from a ride with six-year-old mare American Sunset when the green Mitsubishi L200 truck was in collision with the pair from behind on Crow Hill, near Ringwood.

The 48-year-old, who rides regularly as a hobby, broke her back and ribs and suffered a head injury. She is currently undergoing treatment in Southampton General Hospital.

A 78-year-old Ringwood man was interviewed by police under caution in connection with the incident.

Cheryl’s son Mike, 23, from Ferndown, said: “The horse broke one of its legs and snapped a tendon and something happened to its back.

“It ran off and mum landed in a bush.

“The air ambulance landed in a field nearby but with mum’s injuries it would have been dangerous to move her across the field.

“The doctors say it will take nine months for her to walk again and she will be in hospital for four months.

“She doesn’t remember anything at all and keeps asking about the horse. She’s devastated.

“She was wearing a helmet thankfully or it would have been a very different story.”