Pony killed by lightning was 'one-in-a-million'

The riding centre said the bay pony would be "terribly missed by us all"

A pony who died when she was "tragically hit" by a direct lightning strike was "one-in-a-million", an equestrian centre has said.

Island Riding Centre in Newport, Isle of Wight, said GG was struck in a field during a sudden storm on Sunday.

The 12-year-old was ridden by many children with disabilities and special educational needs, as well as those from a local hospice.

The riding centre said the bay pony would be "terribly missed by us all".

The centre said the chances of the freak accident were "millions to one, and this happened to a one-in-a-million little pony".

Louise Buckner, the centre's owner, told BBC Radio Solent: "She had the best life with us full of cuddles and kindness and was out in her field as a herd with her buddies when this happened.

"The other ponies were very lucky."

She added GG "would be missed by many children, lots from the island but also children who holiday with us".

The centre, which has a bar and restaurant named after the pony who had one blue eye and one brown, said it was planning a special memorial.

A yellow weather warning for spells of heavy, possibly thundery rain had been in place covering most of southern England on Sunday.