Kate's special hospital visit

A teenage girl who was seriously injured in an accident at a horse trial event has spoken of her joy at being reunited with her horses.

Kate Hunter, 14, is recovering in hospital after suffering head and leg injuries when her pony, Seagull Silver Lady, fell as she approached the final fence of a cross-country course.

Kate Hunter who fell from her horse at Bishop Burton Horse Trials is recovering from a coma has a visit from her horses at Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull. Pictured from left is dad Ian, Kate, and mum Sue Hunter. But she has astounded doctors with her progress, having regained the ability to walk and talk.

And as a special treat, her father Ian took her two horses, Seagull Silver Lady and Boynton Girl, to see her at Hull Royal Infirmary, where her mother Sue has been by her bedside.

Kate said: “I am happy to see my horses again, they are cool.”I am looking forward to riding them again and doing showjumping. I love it.”

Mr Hunter, who is the landlord of the Kings Head pub in Tealby, said the support the family has received has been overwhelming.

He said: “The first two-and-a-half weeks were very, very difficult.

“But the last week has been amazing. The first time I heard her speak again was the day before Father's Day.

“Since the story appeared in the paper, the response has been unbelievable. We have had cards and letters from people we don't even know.”

He said that Kate will be “getting back in the saddle as soon as possible”.

He said: “One of the first things she asked when she came round was how her horses were. She loves them.

“She can't remember anything about the day of the fall. She has no recollection at all of what happened, or getting ready to go there.

“She has made amazing progress, and can walk with assistance and talk. There is still a long way to go, but she is doing very well. If she continues progressing as she is, she could be home in three weeks.”