Walker attacks horse rider

Dominique Webb, 19, was treated by a doctor for concussion.

The young trainee jockey was exercising her boyfriend's horse from the Windmill Lodge Stables in Spital Road when the attack happened at 11.40am on Thursday last week.

Dominique was riding alone on Royal Tradition along the footpath by The Gallops when she moved over to allow a dog walker by.

'I had moved out of the way for him but he turned round and started abusing me, saying I shouldn't be there,' said Dominique.

'I wanted to tell him that we were allowed on the field where the footpath is and that there is plenty of room for everyone.

'We use it a couple of times a day at least.

'I tried to carry on but he continued shouting and said he would set his dog on me.

'My horse was getting scared as the noise was behind him so I turned him round to face the man so that he could see him.

'The man then went crazy. He tried to grab the horse's head. Then he tried to pull me off by my leg.

'I got free and rode back to the stables and told the trainer what had happened.

'Ten minutes later when I was feeding the horse the man re-appeared. He was still shouting. Then he came close to me and punched me twice in the face.'

The man was pulled off and ran off when staff intervened.

Dominique had scratches on her face and later developed a headache and sickness. She was treated by a doctor for concussion.

'I try to avoid riding in the same spot alone now in case I see him again,' added Dominique.

'But it won't stop me going out with the horses. They are my life.'

The man was about 6ft with grey hair and aged about 50, wearing an anorak, trousers and walking boots. He was with a small terrier-type dog.

Police are appealing for witnesses.