“She died doing what she loved best” say the parents of a ‘horse-mad’ teenage girl from Linton, Ross-on-Wye, who was thrown beneath her horse during a Pony Club day out at a riding school.
Jade South, 15, fell from her horse Jaffa, which then landed on top of her, at the Pauntley Cross Country riding school in Redmarley, Gloucestershire last Thursday at about 1.35pm. She was with 20 young riders from Ross Harriers and South Hereford Pony Club enjoying a day at the stables.
Paramedics, a specialist doctor and the air ambulance were called but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jade lived with her parents Paul and Claire and 12-year-old brother, Robert, in Linton, and was a pupil at John Kyrle High School. She was working towards GCSEs and, having done work experience at Three Counties Equine Hospital, had decided to make horses her life.
Her parents issued a statement saying her “love of horses outweighed everything else, even to the extent of choosing to miss a family holiday to attend Lea Show!”
They added: “In 1999 Jade joined South Hereford and Ross Harriers Hunts branch of the Pony Club and weekends were never the same again! She attended many rallies and camp every year where she enjoyed helping younger members.
“She was honoured to have represented the branch at area level in show jumping, eventing and stable management.
“Last year she progressed to at affiliated level in show jumping. Numerous trophies have adorned the dresser over the years including the Robert Okell Memorial Plate at Harewood End Show.
“We would like to say a big thank you to the ever friendly people we have known throughout Jade’s life, both children and adults. We have 15 years of memories of her as a wonderful daughter and sister to cherish and comfort us.”
Pony Club chairman Cherry Michell said: “On behalf of everyone in The Pony Club, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Jade’s family. The thoughts and prayers of Pony Club members all over the UK are with the family at this very sad time.”
Jade’s brother Robert has created a web page in aid of the County Air Ambulance in remembrance of his sister. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/robertsouth1
Jade’s gelding, Jaffa, was unharmed.
Gloucestershire Police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating.