THE PARENTS of the young child who died in a horse riding accident in Miserden have paid tribute to their “beautiful little girl”.

In a joint statement parents Nick and Polly Armitage said of Bonnie: "She was a beautiful, vivacious and compassionate girl, who touched the hearts of everyone who knew her.

"She loved riding, and was never happier than when with her Shetland pony, Lindsay.

"We will miss her more than we can say, and we greatly value the prayers of so many of our friends."

Bonnie's dad, Nick, who taught at Beaudesert School in Minchinhampton for eight years before joining St Hugh's in 2014, added: "She was our beautiful little girl."

Polly said: "It was just a tragic accident.

"I don't want anyone to be blamed for this. It was no one's fault."

Bonnie, aged nine, was riding her Shetland pony, Lindsay, when she was kicked in the chest by a larger horse in front when out with the Cotswold Hunt on Saturday.

She was airlifted to hospital in a 'life-threatening' condition and later died of her injuries.