December 22, 2015 3.24 pm This story is over 99 months old

Lincoln showjumper suffers horrific facial injuries after horse kicks her in head

Lucky to be alive: A Lincoln showjumper has spoken of her relief to still be alive after a horse kicked her in the head.

A Lincoln showjumper has spoken of her relief to still be alive after a horse kicked her in the head.

Gina Ruck was trying to recover a horse that had escaped from the electric fencing at her yard near Market Rasen on December 17.

However, the horse lashed out, kicking her in the head and knocking her briefly unconscious.

The injuries Gina Ruck received after a horse kicked her in the head

The injuries Gina Ruck received after a horse kicked her in the head

Gina was able to phone her mum in her dazed state, with blood dripping into her eyes and across her face.

Her mum called 999 and an ambulance rushed her to Lincoln County Hospital where she was assessed for head and brain injuries.

Gina was taken into surgery and received 33 stitches for the deep gash to the head she suffered.

Luckily, the 23-year-old was able to return home later on the same day.

Gina, who first represented Great Britain in showjumping at the age of 14, said: “I feel incredibly lucky to still be here, I have had a big blow to the head and also quite a big gash.

“I am home and all stitched up and doing ok, just with a very big headache.

“I really hope I have encouraged people to wear hats when around horses as I have been so very lucky.”