TRIBUTES have been paid to a horse enthusiast from Colwall killed in a riding accident.

Samantha Hudson was crushed by her mount during the Spring Hill one-day eventing competition at Snowshill, near Broadway, on Monday.

Nightlight VI, refused to jump a fence, throwing Miss Hudson off. The horse then flipped backwards, landing on the 33-year-old. Paramedics were called but failed to resuscitate her.

The horse was uninjured.

A fully-qualified professional riding instructor, Miss Hudson had been teaching throughout the Three Counties since moving to Malvern from her native Yorkshire around 12 years ago.

She was a keen supporter of the Ledbury Hunt.

Audrey Brewer, district commissioner of the hunt's Pony Club, said: "She was a friend of the family, as she was with so many families in the area. Children adored her as she was fun and got them going in a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

"If anything needed doing at the club - putting up jumping fences, helping at dances, barbecues, fundraising events - she would do it."

Mark Edwards, who knew Miss Hudson as the official photographer for the Pony Club, said: "She was amazing with children. Very professional, very caring.

"I've been with her at Gadbury when children were too tired to ride back and she has taken the horse while they have gone in the car. There aren't too many people who would do that."

For the past three years, Miss Hudson taught at Hall End Farm, Kynaston, near Putley, where she also kept her horses. Flowers have been laid there anonymously in respect.

Owner Hugh Jefferson said: "If someone needed help and she could give it she would.

"She was a no-nonsense sort of person. Well disciplined, well organised. She'll be missed by an awful lot of people."

The funeral will be at Castlemorton Church on Monday, at 2pm, before burial in Yorkshire. A collection will be made for Ledbury Hunt Pony Club. Donations can be sent to Hawcutt Funeral Directors, 133 Homend, Ledbury, HR8 1BX.