Eleven-year-old girl dies after being kicked by a horse

An 11-year-old girl has died after being kicked by a horse.

Eloise Peek, known as Ellie, died after sustaining severe head and spine injuries.

She was in a field at her grandparents’ farm in Hainford, Norfolk, checking on her pony Flynn at 10.20am on Sunday 7 June when she was kicked by another horse in the field.

Her mother, Michelle, who described her as “brave and beautiful” was in the house at the time of the accident.

“I went out and saw a coat on the floor. I knew it was not right. I just ran to her. I didn’t see it happen but I was there within no time,” she said.

“I can beat myself about it every day. I told her to wait for me. She never thought any of our animals would hurt her.”

Ellie was flown by air ambulance to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Her life support machine was turned off at 11pm last night.

Ellie, who attended Woodland View Junior School, was due to begin secondary school in September

Head teacher James Mulvany described her as “a happy, fun-loving girl who was very popular”.

She began riding at four years old and regularly took part in show jumping competitions.

Fourteen-year-old Kate Hunter from Tealby is reported to be making “encouraging” progress after an accident at Bishops Burton.

Kate sustained head and leg injuries when she fell from her pony Seagull Silver Lady on 31 May during the cross-country phase of a British Eventing competition.

She was taken to Hull Royal Infirmery. She is now out of intensive care but has still not regained full consciousness.

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