15 year old girl injured in horse riding accident

The Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to the Awatere Valley in Marlborough to rescue a teenager injured in a horse riding accident late this morning (Saturday).

The helicopter, with two Wellington Free Ambulance Paramedics onboard, was called to the accident about 11:20 am.

The helicopter landed near the injured girl in a vineyard a few kilometres northeast of Altimarnoch in the Awatare Valley.

On our arrival we found a seriously injured 15 year old Blenheim girl who had been thrown off her horse.

"As we understand it she was taking part in a pony club meet and her horse reared throwing her off " says Colin Larsen, Westpac Rescue Helicopter crewman. "Unfortunately it seems her foot got caught in the stirrup and the horse ended up rolling over her".

The Wellington Free Ambulance paramedics treated the girl, who was complaining of severe pain, for leg and back injuries. She was also complaining of abdominal pain. Given the potential seriousness of her injuries the girl was flown to Wellington Hospital Emergency Department, accompanied by her dad who arrived at the scene.

Note to media : The helicopter was immediately called out on an inter-hospital transfer which is why this release is so delayed. We checked on the girl at about 7:30 pm and she has been admitted to hospital but her injuries are not as severe as they originally appeared. She is now comfortable and hoping to be discharged tomorrow.