A Year 11 pupil was injured after falling from a horse at Stonar School in Atworth on Tuesday.

The pupil suffered broken ribs and a possible vertebra fracture and was airlifted to Frenchay Hospital, Bristol.

The pupil lost her balance and fell from the horse, which was spooked by cattle during a ride. The emergency services were immediately alerted by a member of school staff, and paramedics and the Wiltshire Air Ambulance attended.

“Horses can occasionally be alarmed by cattle and all our riders are taught to be aware of such hazards. We are grateful to the emergency services and the Wiltshire Air Ambulance for their rapid response,” said Darrell Scaife, director of riding.

Elizabeth Thomas, Stonar’s headteacher said: “We wish her a quick recovery. As a school with an Equestrian Centre, our staff are well equipped to respond to such incidents and I am grateful to those individuals who reacted so quickly.”

* Swindon Town football manager Paolo Di Canio will captain a team in a match to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance charity on Tuesday, May 2, at the County Ground, Swindon.

Town captain Paul Caddis will captain the air ambulance team and other players will include former stars Fraser Digby, Lee Peacock, Micky Hazard, Sammy Igoe and Fitzroy Simpson.

All proceeds will be donated to Wiltshire Air Ambulance, which needs to raise more than £700,000 a year to keep flying.

Adult tickets are £5 with £3 concessions, available online from www.swindontownfc.co.uk or call the box office on 0871 876 1993.