An experienced equestrian who was crushed by a horse in North Yorkshire has praised the air ambulance team that came to his rescue.

Joe Billingham broke eight ribs after the horse, named Lolli, unexpectedly reared and fell on top of him when training near Harrogate.

The 34-year-old spent three days in hospital recovering from his injuries and is continuing his rehabilitation at home.

Joe used a vocal cue to calm Lolli and guide her back into schooling in an outdoor riding arena at Windmill Farm, in Beckwithshaw.

Joe Billingham could not move his legs after the horse crushed himJoe Billingham could not move his legs after the horse crushed him (Image: Yorkshire Air Ambulance) But the animal reared again, losing her balance, falling backwards – and crushing Joe in the process.

The impact left him in excruciating pain, unable to move or feel his legs, and struggling to breathe.

Concerned witnesses quickly called 999, fearing the severity of his injuries.

Paramedics arrived on the scene and requested backup from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Already airborne and returning to their RAF Topcliffe base after completing a nearby mission, the air ambulance crew swiftly diverted to the incident, landing safely in a field adjacent to the paddock, ensuring all horses were secured to prevent any further incidents.

“He couldn’t move his legs and was describing symptoms that immediately raised red flags for a spinal injury,” said Terri-Ann Lonie, one of the air ambulance paramedics.

Recommended reading:

The team administered a high dose of morphine to alleviate Joe’s severe pain and moved him to a road ambulance for treatment.

Once inside the ambulance, Joe’s condition improved slightly and he was able to move his toes, offering the team a hopeful sign.

Joe was then taken to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment.

'You never think these things will happen to you,' says experienced equestrian

“As a horse rider, you never think these things will happen to you,” he said. “I’ve ridden horses for three decades, but it all happened so quickly.

“I can’t thank the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team enough for the incredible care they gave me that day – they made a frightening experience so much more manageable.”

Joe Billingham is still recovering from the incidentJoe Billingham is still recovering from the incident (Image: Yorkshire Air Ambulance) Terri-Ann said the team was “so pleased to learn” that Joe is “making a good recovery”.

The paramedic added that the outcome could have been more serious, had Joe not been wearing his safety gear.

“There’s a lot of protective gear that horse riders wear, but if they aren’t wearing it, the injuries can be much worse when they fall,” Terri-Ann said. “Thankfully, Joe was wearing his safety gear, which likely prevented even more serious injuries.”

  • The rescue will be shown in tonight’s (Friday, November 29) episode Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Quest at 9pm.
  • For more information about Yorkshire Air Ambulance and how you can support its lifesaving work, visit www.yaa.org.uk