A YOUNG rider was killed in a freak accident while out riding with her mother.

Talented horsewoman Claire Finch, aged 26, was leading a horse to a field from stables owned by her family off Chorley Old Road, Horwich, when she was kicked or stamped on.

She was not riding at the time and was not wearing a riding hat.

Although her mother Diana was with her, she did not see the accident and her heartbroken family say they do not know exactly what happened.

Claire's mother rang 999 when she saw her daughter lying on the ground after the tragedy on Easter Sunday.

Paramedics treated Claire at the scene and on the way to the Royal Bolton Hospital, but despite further treatment from hospital staff she died a short time later with her family at her bedside.

Today her devastated family described her as a "loving and beautiful daughter" who was a charming and kind person, dedicated to her family, friends and career.

The Rev Sarah Foster-Clark, one of the team clergy at Horwich Parish Church, who knew Claire, said: "Claire was just an incredible young lady who always went the extra mile for people and was just so incredibly giving and caring.

"She was a totally amazing young woman."

Born in Horwich, Claire attended Horwich Parish Church School along with older sister Emma, before going on to Bridgewater School, Worsley.

She lived in Westhoughton for a short period before returning to Horwich.

After working for short periods at Egerton House Hotel and Sherrington's Solicitors, Claire joined the family business Livesey Funeral Service six years ago with her mother and father Martyn.

Claire had just gained her diploma in Funeral Directing and had qualified as member of the British Institute of Funeral Directors.

Her friends and family said that, ever since she was a young girl, Claire's main interest was horse riding.

She was a past member of the British Show Pony Society and used to show her ponies at society championships and the Royal International Horse Show.

She owned a horse called Blue, who she used to compete on, along with another horse called Dessie.

Claire had won many show hunter pony competitions and used to be a member of Holcombe Hunt Pony Club. Recently, she had taken up dog training with her cocker spaniel puppy Isobelle.

Claire lived just two doors away from her sister Emma, aged 28, and her partner Philip in a cottage in Gorton Fold, Horwich.

A service of thanksgiving to celebrate Claire's life will take place at Horwich Parish Church on Tuesday at 10.45am, prior to private committal at Overdale.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned into Claire's death.