SIXTEEN-year-old British show jumper Tabitha Kyle, daughter of Irish Olympic event rider Mark Kyle, was disappointed to miss out on riding at the Horse of the Year Show this week but is lucky to be in good health after a hit and run car accident in The Netherlands.

The talented youngster, who has won every pony title on offer at the Birmingham venue and is in her last year of ponies, wrote about the incident on her social media page, saying: “Unfortunately I was a passenger in a hit and run car accident while competing in The Netherlands last weekend.

“I sustained a neck fracture which is stable and I have full feeling and motion. I will be out of action until I make a full recovery. Thank you for all the help, support and kind messages I have received so far. Counting down the days until I’m back riding already.”

Tabitha had an X-ray on Thursday and hopes to be back riding in five weeks after more check-ups. Tabitha, who’s Wicklow-based grandparents Gillian and Johnny Kyle are involved in almost every aspect of the equestrian industry, has been a prolific winner in her show jumping career and was a member of the British junior team who won bronze at the FEI European Championships in Gorla Minore in July.