A woman whose "whole life revolved around horses" was found hanging after two horses in her care died in the same year.

An inquest at Chelmsford Coroners Court heard Yvonne French, 51, was found hanging at Campions Farm, Gutters Lane, Chelmsford, in June.

PC Derek Sewell told the inquest Mrs French had been given a horse on permanent loan by the owner of the farm John Peters after being "distraught" at the death of her own in February.

But the second horse also became ill and died two weeks before Mrs French was found hanging.

PC Sewell added: "She was very distressed by this and together with having some domestic problems she became depressed and ill."

Mr Peters told the inquest he found her hanging from a rafter in a shed on the farm after seeing her moped but not being able to find her.

Mrs French had secured the door to the shed with twine and a note was also found.

John French said his wife had been depressed after the death of the first horse and a fall from the horse given to her by Mr Peters had caused her to lose confidence in her ability to ride.

He added: "Her whole life had revolved around horses ever since we were married."

Assistant Deputy Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded a verdict of suicide.

She added: "She had taken steps to shut the door of the shed and so I am satisfied that Mrs French intended to take her own life."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.