A horse rider had her life saved by the air ambulance service after she was crushed by her own horse following an incident in a remote 100-acre field that wasn't reachable by road ambulances.

While riding through Swainby village, between Northallerton and Stokesley in May 2024, Claire Holywell's horse, Emy, was startled and reared up, causing Claire to fall backwards.

In the process, Emy also lost her balance and fell, landing on top of Claire as she hit the ground, causing Claire to briefly lose consciousness.

Claire HolywellClaire Holywell (Image: YORKSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE) As Emy struggled to regain her footing, she rolled over Claire and, in the process, stood on her chest.

This traumatic incident left Claire breathless and in severe pain, causing significant injuries, including two fractures to her right scapula, seven broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a severe pelvic injury, with her pelvis separating at the front and fracturing at the back.

The frightening incident has been revisited as part of a new TV series Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Friday (November 1) at 9 pm on Quest.

Claire and her horse EmyClaire and her horse Emy (Image: YORKSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE) Following the success of Helicopter ER, which ran for 9 seasons, this new series provides a fresh look at Yorkshire Air Ambulance's cutting-edge medical team, their courageous patients, and the diverse landscapes and communities across Yorkshire.

During the incident back in May this year, Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Critical Care Team, comprising Paramedics Becky Knight and Stewart Ashburner-Mcmanus, arrived from YAA’s Topcliffe base in Thirsk, reaching Claire in just minutes.

After assessing the scene, the team secured the area, mindful of Emy’s agitated state. 

Claire during the medical incidentClaire during the medical incident (Image: YORKSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE) Claire’s injuries were life-threatening, particularly to her pelvis, which carried a significant risk of internal bleeding.

Speaking about the importance of rapid intervention, Stewart said, “We can help prevent worsening conditions at the scene, but the actual treatment for injuries like these comes from surgery and advanced care at a Major Trauma Centre. That’s why we aim to get patients to trauma facilities within the ‘golden hour’ - the faster they receive lifesaving surgical treatment, the greater their chances for recovery.”

YAA’s team transported Claire to James Cook University Hospital, where she underwent emergency treatment, resulting in a 10-day hospital stay.

Doctors at the hospital estimate her injuries may take up to a year for her to fully heal.

Despite her injuries, Claire’s dedication to horses remains unwavering.

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“At this stage, I don’t know if I’ll be able to ride again, but I’m very hopeful. If I can ride, I want to get back on board. For now, though, Emy is content just getting cuddles and being in her field”, she said.

Reflecting on her rescue, Claire expressed her gratitude to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team, adding: “I don’t know what we’d have done without them, especially as the land ambulance couldn’t reach me because we were so far from a gateway in a 100-acre field.

"The crew were so skilled and compassionate and worked brilliantly as a team. I felt very looked after in their care. They were all amazing, and I really can’t thank them enough.”