A HORSE rider has thanked many residents of the Dengie after suffering a bad fall from her horse while out riding.

Ruby Onslow, from Southminster, was out riding her horse Star down Tinkers Hole near the Burnham bends when her horse went into a panic and threw her off.

Ms Onslow suffered a blow to the head, minor whiplash and a few scrapes but thankfully came away with no serious injuries.

Shortly after the fall Ms Onslow was seen to by a member of the public who helped to keep her calm, whilst other members of the public helped to catch Star and get her back under control.

They were both taken to their home in Southminster where Star was safely stabled and came away from the ordeal completely unharmed.

Following the incident on Sunday August 21, Ms Onslow suffered brief anxiety but is recovering well, and could not be more grateful for the help she received from passing residents.

She said: “I'm getting a lot better now, my horse Star is completely fine, and it’s nice to know that I live in a community that is willing to help.

“I'm very grateful to those that put themselves out to help myself and my horse, as without them my horse could have been badly hurt, or someone else could of been injured other than just myself.

“Thank you to everyone that was there on the day, it really means a lot. It was a relief to all that it was not more serious.”

The Burnham bends have been subject to criticism in recent weeks, with some saying drivers go around them late at night at high speeds.

Jack Goldman, who lives near the B1010, said: “During weekends and late in the evenings motorists use those bends as a race track, they seem to go up and down trying to get faster each time.

“Hardly surprising if horses get spooked around there, it won’t be long before something serious happens.”