Rider in coma after falling from her horse out hacking

A young rider is in a coma after suffering a freak fall from her horse out hacking.

Jessica Gill, who works for the Chiltern & Thames Rider (CTR) magazine, was injured while hacking with her mother, Ros, on Sunday afternoon (24 February).

Jess’s five-year-old sport horse, Dillon, spooked and then slipped over. He rolled on top of her and when he got up she was dragged for a few strides.

She sustained serious head injuries and was airlifted to St Mary’s hospital, Paddington in London, where she remains in a critical condition.

Jessica’s colleagues at CTR said on their Facebook page: “All our thoughts are with her.

“We are all devastated for her and extremely worried as it is touch and go.

“Our healing vibes are with you Jess and hopefully, God willing, you will pull through.”

Jessica has worked as a reporter for CTR since 2010. Colleagues described her as “a fantastic girl and an invaluable member of the team”.

[Update: 2 March 2013]

Sadly Jessica lost her fight for life at 2am on Saturday 2 March.

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