TRIBUTES have flooded in from the equestrian community for Claire Lowe, who tragically died while out hunting in Co Down on Wednesday.

The popular owner of Mill House Equestrian Centre in Saintfield, Co Down was out hunting with friends in the New Line area of Ballygowan, Co Down, with the North Down hunt when she fell from her horse.

It is understood that Claire’s mount cleanly jumped a wall of approximately 80cms in height but pecked on landing, tipping his rider out of the saddle.

She was immediately attended to by fellow hunt followers, who administered CPR and called for a rapid response paramedic from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. The paramedic attended to the rider at around 3.20pm but was unable to save her and she died from her injuries.

Speaking on behalf of Claire’s family, her cousin Hannah McCloy told The Irish Field: “Claire will be sorely missed by all her family and friends.

“It was a tragic accident. Claire was out with friends doing what she loved. It was not anyone’s fault and nobody could have done anything,” she said.

“She was out on her new cob, all clipped and looking great. The horse did nothing wrong, he jumped the wall and just dipped afterwards and she fell off.”

McCloy described her cousin and close friend, who bought and sold horses, as someone who could “transform” horses.

“She had a real eye for horses and she could see something in horses that maybe other people would pass by. She would see their potential and completely transform them and they would go on and do amazing things,” she said. “She was so skilful and passionate about whatever she was doing.”

She added that Claire was always ready to help others.

“The horsey world is so small but no-one would ever have a bad word to say about Claire, she was always straight down the line. She would help anyone, whether that was with advice, stabling or support,” added McCloy. “She was one in a million.”

Claire is survived by her fiancé Doug Stevenson, mother Adrienne, brothers Boyd and Philip, sister Kerry and niece and nephew. Her father Gerry passed away in December 2015. Her funeral service takes place today at St Ignatius Parish Church, Carryduff.

The North Down hunt, PSNI and the Connemara Pony Breeders Society were among the many who paid tribute to the 39-year-old.

A spokesman for the North Down hunt said: “The masters, committee and members of the North Down hunt extend their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Claire Lowe” and the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society said it was “deeply saddened by the news of the tragic loss.”

“Claire was a Connemara Pony Breeders Society ridden and working hunter judge. Our deepest sympathies go out to Claire’s family and friends. Rest in peace.”

One Connemara she produced, TBS Millhouse Sinatra, went on to compete in the international pony show jumping ring under French rider Servane Alexandreat the CSIOP show in Fontainebleau.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City District Commander, Superintendent Sean Wright said Claire was “an experienced and professional police officer with six years’ service. Claire was in the prime of her life. We all knew of her love for horses and for her sport but we also knew her for being a committed police officer who found challenge and reward in serving the local community and in keeping people safe throughout the Lisburn and Castlereagh District.”

Claire competed at Eventing Ireland EI90 amateur level this year on Have The Courage at Knockany, Lisgarvan House, Loughanmore and Maddybenny.