FARNHAM woman has praised her friend for protecting her from further injury after enduring a 'terrifying attack' by a horse in Dippenhall.

Lynn Bright, of Great Austins, thanked Dr Jane Elliott for standing by her when they were set upon by two horses off Runwick Lane, leaving them in fear of their lives.

Warning other walkers of the potential danger of using fields in the area, Mrs Bright recalled how she was suddenly kicked by one of the animals and suffered a broken femur.

She said a group of seven horses in the field off Runwick Lane began to chase after Dr Elliott's dog, Jazzy, which had been let off her lead.

Two of the horses then approached her from behind and one of them struck suddenly without warning.

Recalling the incident, Dr Elliott, who practices at Holly Tree surgery in Rowledge, said: "We did not see the kick but it was aimed deliberately at a human - my dog was at least 50 yards away.

"As Lynn lay moaning on the ground, I was dialling 999 on my mobile. The largest horse, a brown one, picked Lynn's walking stick up by the strap and proceeded to stamp on it, jumping up and down repeatedly about three feet from her head. We were terrified thinking it would be us next. Lynn said 'I think this is it, Jane'."

The horses continued to circle round the pair, aggressively prodding at their backpacks in search of food which went on for 20 minutes.

Jazzy lay by Mrs Bright, while Dr Elliott attempted to shield her from further harm until the ambulances services arrived.

The pair praised the medical attention given to Mrs Bright despite a long delay due to difficulty in finding their location. She was taken to Frimley Park Hospital where she spent a week receiving treatment.

Explaining her injury, she said: "The pain has been quite bad as they have put a rod from my knee to my hip, and four pins have been placed which may be there for life."

Despite being forced to walk on crutches for the last two months, she remains upbeat and revealed that she cannot wait to go out walking again.

After investigating whether compensation was due, she discovered that unless animals have a history of being aggressive, injury victims have no legal recourse.

The Health and Safety Executive is now investigating the incident, such was its severity. Dr Elliott was especially concerned at the fact it had happened despite strictly following the public footpath, which is a recommended route.

She added: "I would appeal to anyone who has been frightened or harassed by horses in this field in Dippenhall to come forward. This injury was extremely serious and could have been fatal."

The landowner of the field concerned was unavailable to comment.

If anyone has experienced anything like this, please contact The Herald or Mrs Bright on (01252) 710663.