Huntsman dies in the field (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Huntsman dies in the field

9:23am Thursday 23rd November 2006 in News By Nigel Kerton

Huntsman Chris Bennett from Savernake near Marlborough has died following a fall while riding with the Vale of the White Horse Hunt in Gloucestershire.

Mr Bennett, 62, loved extreme sports including sky-diving and point to point racing.

He leaves his wife Alison, Son Nico 29, and daughter Emma, 33.

Mr Bennett was galloping along a muddy path when his horse slipped and he was thrown over its head.

He was knocked unconscious and then suffered a heart attack. Hunt members administered first aid until paramedics arrived but they were unable to revive him.

Mr Bennet was airlifted to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon where he died on Sunday with his family at his side.

Joint hunt master Simon Oliver said: "Everybody is terribly shocked. This is only the second serious accident I've heard of in 40 years."