Rider died in fall from horse on Countryfile presenter’s farm
A RIDER died falling from her horse on a “fun ride” on the farm of a Countryfile presenter, an inquest has heard.
Mandy Berry, 58, had been on a trek at Cotswold Farm Park, run by the programme’s Adam Henson in Guiting Power, Cheltenham, on Oct 8 last year when the accident occurred.
She had been out on her horse before she was found by fellow riders.
The inquest was told that Mrs Berry suffered multiple rib fractures and the main artery to her heart was ruptured. She was conscious and talking when she was found but soon lapsed into un- consciousness and died despite the efforts of first-aiders and paramedics.
Katy Skerrett, the Gloucestershire coroner, recorded a conclusion of accidental death. She said Mrs Berry was discovered 100 yards away from the nearest jump and the only possible rea- son for her fall was that the horse slipped on a patch of mud or bolted.
Katherine Topley, who joined the trek with friends, described Mrs Berry’s riding as “very sensible”.
“I was with her for 10 to 15 minutes before an ambulance arrived,” said Ms Topley. “She would occasionally panic and I was unable to calm her down. The paramedic was there for five to 10 minutes before she became unconscious.”
Mrs Berry, from Clapton in Gordano, Somerset, worked as a personal assistant to John Miles, an agent who managed stars including Timmy Mallett and The Wurzels.