A WOMAN was taken to hospital after being thrown from a horse.

The married woman, who is thought to be aged about 40, was riding the horse when it reared up in Fold Road, Radcliffe. She suffered a head injury after the fall close to Saint Saviour Ringley C of E Primary School.

An ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were scrambled to the scene and the woman was treated for head injuries. She was then taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital but her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Ambulance Service said the woman was conscious at the scene and the injury has not been classed as a major trauma.

Police officers shut the road in both directions as a result of the incident at the junction with Ringley Road at around 2.45pm today.

Pupils at Saint Saviour Ringley C of E Primary School were unable to get out at the end of the school day due to the road closure.

Ian Southern, headteacher, said: “We took the children across the bridge so they didn’t see the accident at 3.10pm, we texted parents to stay on the other side of the bridge.

“At 3.10pm they would not have been able to come down Fold Road.

“They would have had to be turned around.

“After the accident the police came into school to see us.”

Eileen Donald, landlady at the nearby Horseshoe pub, said the rider often popped in for a drink.

Mrs Donald said: "Police closed off the entire road and the kids weren't able to get out of school.

"The lady comes into the pub regularly. We see her around twice a week. She is very friendly."