Organisers of England’s oldest agricultural show have moved to reassure people that 'safety is paramount’ after a spectator in a mobility scooter was trampled by a pony.
Tania Young, 50, from Stanley, suffered cuts and bruises after a pony landed on her as she watched the driving class at Wolsingham on Saturday.
It could have been far worse as she suffers from pulmonary hypertension and has a Hickman Line constantly delivering vital medication to her heart but fortunately, it was not damaged during the incident.
Patrick Harwood, general secretary of Wolsingham and Wear Valley Agricultural Society, said: “The show's organisers can confirm that visitor, exhibitor and competitor safety is paramount in the planning of events at the show ground and that the team's emergency plan had proved effective when tested.
“However, live animals and heavy machinery will always pose some risk at such events and every effort will continue to be made to update provisions and procedures to ensure the safety of everyone on the show ground.”
Established in 1763 it is one of the oldest shows in the country and brings in animals and visitors from a wide area with thousands of visitors on both days.
The event at the weekend, held just outside Wolsingham, was the 244th show.
The incident happened during one of the horse and carriage driving classes, part of the Saturday events programme, when a pony pulling a carriage was spooked.
Mr Harwood said: “The show's emergency plan was enacted and show ground personnel and security teams ensured that the ambulances required to transport two casualties were able to gain access and egress at the scene without delay, transporting the two patients to the University Hospital of North Durham for further treatment.
Read more: Pictures and livestock winners from 244th Wolsingham Show
“We are very pleased to be able to confirm that both individuals were shortly thereafter released from hospital with only minor injuries.
“The spectator who had been involved in the incident returned to the show the following day, praising the swift and professional work of the medical team and stewards. The show's chairman welcomed the individual back to the show and thanked them for the supportive way in which they had acknowledged that the incident had been "no-one's fault".
“We are thankful that no long term injuries have been sustained and can confirm that the pony involved in the incident was unharmed.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here