The Suffolk and Essex equestrian community has paid tribute to a “gutsy” young rider who died following a fall from her horse.
Lucinda Woolley, known as Lucy, from Chattisham, near Ipswich, was seriously injured when her horse Alfie was “spooked” by a nearby farm vehicle and she fell.
The 16-year-old was airlifted to hospital and underwent surgery last Wednesday but died from her injuries the following day.
Lucinda was a member of the Essex and Suffolk Hunt Branch of the Pony Club and committee member Gillie Cranfield described her as an “active and very popular” member.
She said: “Lucinda was a gutsy rider, very sporty. She represented the Pony Club in teams for quite a few years successfully and was a capable rider.
“We are all very shocked and we will all miss her. All the members, instructors and adults involved here will miss her.”
Lucy, an Ipswich High School student, had recently started competing with British Eventing.
Chief executive Mike Etherington-Smith said: “The eventing community is a close-knit family and will be deeply shaken by the loss of Lucinda.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this terribly sad time.”
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