Dressage rider tipped for stardom kicked to death by her horse

A dressage rider tipped for international success has died after being kicked by her stallion.

The body of Samantha Cawkwell, 26, was found in a field on Sunday near her home in Lytham, Lancs.

It is believed she went to bring the horse in for the night and it kicked her in the head and neck. An ambulance was called but she died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Miss Cawkwell ran a dressage company, Ultimate Dressage Horse, with her partner Andrew Hackett, also a rider and trainer.

Her father, John Cawkwell, said: “She looked after horses since her childhood. She lived for horses and her dream to ride her own bred stallion Fabulicious at Badminton was due to take place next week. Now it will never happen. Her step-mother and I cannot believe it.”

One of Miss Cawkwell’s neighbours said: “Sam was an experienced horse owner and rider. This is a terrible tragedy. She and Andrew had some lovely dressage horses together and they both rode to the highest standard, bringing the best out of the animals.”

A Lancashire police spokesman said the death was being viewed as “a tragic accident”.