A rider from Shropshire has paid tribute to her beloved horse, who she lost in a road collision which left her physically and mentally scarred.

Sophia Bradley was leading her mare, Ava, on the B4380 when a car struck Ava from behind, causing Sophia to be thrown across the carriageway.

Sophia called for help, and a vet attended the scene, but Ava’s injuries were so severe she has to be put to sleep.

Sophia has experienced nightmares and flashbacks following the incident and struggled with anxiety when walking along pavements, either alone or with her family. She also lost confidence in driving, as well as riding and hacking.

“It was horrifying to know that Ava was in pain and frightened, and that there was nothing I could do to help her,” she said. “I don’t know if I’ll ever truly recover from the experience.

“I’ll never forget her. She was my companion and it breaks my heart that she had such a cruel end.

“Horse riding has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, but this has changed me. Every time I get on a horse now, there’s a constant fear in the back of my mind that something could go wrong.

“That fear has seeped into all aspects of my life. Even getting into a car or walking along a pavement makes me feel nervous and anxious.

“If it could happen when I was with my horse, it could happen at any time.”

Solicitor calls for stronger protections

Following the collision in October 2024, Sophia instructed lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her access the specialist rehabilitation and psychological therapies she required.

Cathryn Godfrey, the serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Sophia, is a rider herself and gave evidence to MPs involved in a recent Westminster road safety debate.

“Unfortunately, collisions involving horse riders on the road happen far too often,” she said. “British Horse Society figures show that in 2024 alone, 3,118 incidents were reported, including 58 horse fatalities, 97 equine injuries and 80 human injuries.

“As well as severe physical injuries, the psychological impact of these incidents can be profound. Many riders experience flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety, and some never return to riding at all.

“Ava was a huge part of Sophia’s life and nothing can undo what happened. However, we are pleased to be supporting Sophia through this difficult time and have secured the rehabilitation she needs to help get her life back on track.”

Undisclosed settlement

Irwin Mitchell secured Sophia an undisclosed settlement to fund her ongoing care and any treatment she needed.

With specialist treatment, Sophia has been able to return to driving and walking as a pedestrian, although she remains more cautious. She has also returned to riding and now owns another horse, Grayson.

Although Sophia was able to move her horse Grayson to stables closer to her home in order to avoid using roads, this has come at a significant financial cost, including increased livery fees, travel time and expenses.

Cathryn, who works closely with the British Horse Society on road safety education and is a trustee of the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund, is now calling for improved protection for riders on UK roads.

Despite wearing high vis clothing and complying with The Highway Code, Sophia was still involved in a collision that could easily have been fatal for herself as well as her horse.

“These cases highlight the urgent need for greater awareness and stronger protections for horse riders,” Cathryn added.

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