A grandmother with a serious medical condition shouted a frantic warning to save her 16-week-old baby grandson before she was trampled by a horse at a County Durham agricultural show.
Tania Young’s husband then dramatically threw himself between her and the pony to protect her and stop a vital tube to her heart from being dislodged.
The 50-year-old was sitting in her mobility scooter watching the driving class at Wolsingham Show when the rider lost control of the pony on Saturday (September 7) morning.
The crowd scattered, but Tania, was unable to get out of the way in time and the horse stood on her before the two-wheeled trap knocked her out of her scooter.
Tania, from Stanley, said: “We were spectating and saw it galloping towards us.
“I just had time to shout ‘watch the bairn’ and before I knew it I was on the ground being trampled.
“It was terrible. I have underlying health conditions and the horse was on top of me.
“It was horrific. I was trampled on my leg, my stomach and felt a lot of the impact.”
Tania, who suffers from pulmonary hypertension, has a Hickman Line attached to her heart to give her 24-hour medication for life.
“It is attached to the heart and if that had come out I would not be here.
“It is actually my lifeline.
“The first thing I asked was if the baby was ok and the second was if my line was still attached.
“Scott put himself between me and the horse to keep it in place. He had to carefully move my clothing and fortunately, it was still there. There was not a mark on it, although I was quite battered and bruised in that area.
“Unfortunately, I lost my whole outfit as they had to cut everything off me.
“It was my favourite coat and favourite jumper but never mind, these things can be replaced.”
Tania was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham and discharged following an x-ray and some oxygen treatment.
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to an incident at Wolsingham Show Ground at 11.35am on September 7.
"We dispatched two ambulance crews and transported two patients to University Hospital of North Durham for further treatment."
Tania’s scooter was also damaged by the carriage which ended up upside down during the incident.
She said a stranger who heard about what happened over social media has since offered to donate her late husband’s scooter to replace it.
Tania said: “People are so kind.”
She returned to the showground on Sunday to thank the team there for their help and was full of praise for the medics who looked after her as well as a spectator who works at the RVI in Newcastle.
She said: “They were absolutely amazing and really looked after us. I was very pleased with the care. They were very professional.
“I am alright now. I am not complaining. I am just very stiff and sore.
Most read:
- Watch as inspirational Bishop Auckland amputee completes the Great North 5k
- Popular County Durham theatre to reopen after repair work
- Family call for tougher sentence for killer drink-driver
“Something must have spooked the pony but it was no-one’s fault.
“It was a scary thing at the time but I am pleased it was me because I have took it and walked away. At least no-one else was harmed, especially the baby.
“They managed to jump out of the way with my grandson but I was just a sitting duck in my mobility scooter.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel