A MAN in his 60s was airlifted to hospital after he was thrown backwards off the horse he was riding.

The horse briefly landed on top of him and he was treated for suspected fractured ribs.

The ambulance service was called to the A4110 in Mortimer's Cross, near to the Mortimer's Cross pub, shortly before 12.50pm last Wednesday.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man was reportedly thrown backwards from the horse whilst out riding this [April 22] afternoon. To make matters worse, the horse then briefly fell on top of him.

“The man, believed to be in his 60s, was assessed by ambulance staff and treated for suspected fractured ribs."

He was given pain relief before being airlifted to Hereford County Hospital.

The spokesman added: “Considering the man was unlucky enough to have the horse land on top of him after falling himself, he is fortunate to have not suffered more significant injuries in the incident.

“The horse was uninjured in the incident.”