Showjumper Ella Pallister dies after fall in Dorset

Tributes have been paid to a teenage showjumper who died after falling from her horse at a Dorset equestrian event.

Ella Pallister, 17, died in hospital on Wednesday from injuries sustained while competing at Kingston Maurward, near Dorchester, on Sunday.

She was taken by air ambulance to hospital in Southampton after the fall in the warm-up arena.

A spokeswoman at Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester, where Ella studied, called her "caring and vibrant".

Dorset Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and the matter would be referred to the coroner.

'Bubbly young lady'

Ella was part of a school team which recently competed at the National School Equestrian Association's national showjumping finals.

She had been studying for business studies and PE A-Levels as well as a BTEC in animal science.

Katie Taylor, head of Year 13 at Thomas Hardye School, said: "Ella was a really down-to-earth, bubbly young lady, very positive and very popular.

"It has hit all of the students very hard and affects the whole student community - students and staff alike."

She said the school was offering counselling to pupils.

A statement from British Showjumping and Kingston Maurward extended their condolences to Ella's family.