International rider died after being kicked by a horse

An international horse-woman died from chest injuries after being kicked by a horse she was leading into a field.

Jo Lomas died within a few minutes of the accident at her home in Pickwell, near Melton, an inquest heard.

Forensic pathologist Michael Biggs said the extent of Mrs Lomas's injuries were "not survivable", despite the attempts of a friend and paramedics to revive her.

Dr Biggs told the hearing in Loughborough: "She would have lost consciousness very quickly."

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He said the injuries were so serious that Mrs Lomas would have died "in seconds or a few minutes", and were consistent with her being kicked by a horse and falling backwards on to a stone trough.

The hearing was told 49-year-old Mrs Lomas grew up with horses, and was an extremely experienced horsewoman who had ridden in international competitions.

Mrs Lomas had been show-jumping earlier in the day, on July 5, and had come third in her class.

It is believed she was turning two horses out into a field after returning home when the accident happened.

However, Coroner Trevor Kirkman said that was supposition of what actually happened as Mrs Lomas was on her own at the time.

She was found lying on her right side next to the trough by a neighbour.

The coroner thanked Mrs Lomas's husband, Mark Lomas QC, 63, who had constructed a probable scenario from the available evidence at the scene.

Mr Kirkman said: "It is most likely that something disturbed one of the horses she was leading in the field and it kicked Jo."

He said it was likely that the force of the kick caused her to fall backwards on to a stone trough causing further injuries.

"This was a tragic and totally unpredictable incident," said Mr Kirkman. "It is all the more tragic as Jo loved horses."

Mr Kirkman said he was satisfied that Mrs Lomas died as a result of an accident.