Just found this on the BBC website,
Startled horse kills rider
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An inquiry is under way after a female horse rider was killed after her horse was reportedly startled by a low-flying helicopter.
Melanie Dodds, 37, who has two children, suffered fatal head injuries when her horse collided with two cars on the A48 near Caerwent south Wales.
Police are investigating the tragedy, which took place on the A48 near Caerwent, south Wales, shortly before 1000 GMT on Wednesday morning.
Ms Dodds was out riding with a friend on a bridle path next to the road near the Wentwood Inn Public House when it is believed the helicopter flew over.
"It was virtually taking off the chimney pots and that spooked the horse which sent it out into the middle of the road with its rider," said eyewitness Stephen Davies, 47.
Ms Dodds, from Caerwent, was taken by ambulance to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, where she was pronounced dead.
A neighbour said she was "a lovely woman with two teenage children".
"She is a keen horsewoman and rides out of the local stables - no one can believe this has happened."
The incident involved two vehicles, a Mazda 323 and a Renault Safrane - the drivers were not injured.
The horse, a Welsh cob called Ed, was put down at the scene because it was seriously injured.
A spokeswoman for Gwent Police confirmed a helicopter was in the vicinity of the incident, but said the investigation was still ongoing.
Officers want to speak to anyone who can offer any information about the incident, and have asked people to contact 01633 838111 and ask for the road policing unit.
End of article.
A tragic event, my condolences to the family and friends of the woman invovled. We had an incident like this near where I live a few years ago, in which an old diesel bus had scared a horse with similar tragic effects.
It is so very frustrating when the press immeadiately jump on the heli-bashing band-wagon. Horse's are generally timid creatures that can be easily frightened ~ by any loud/sudden noise, not just helicopters.
CRAN
