A woman died in hospital 47 days after being kicked by a horse, and her friend believes she could have survived if she had been wearing more protection. Ewa Larsson, 59, a hotel manager and former model, was dragged and kicked by a cob named Davy while leading him in Ripple, near Deal, Kent. An inquest jury returned a verdict of misadventure.
The Accident
On August 27, 2025, Ms Larsson was on a paid hack with instructor Sally Deverill from Cornilo Riding in Sutton. She fell from the saddle in a field and attempted to remount on Beacon Hill, a rural single-track road. Unable to get back on, she decided to walk Davy in-hand. However, two dogs ran from a nearby garden, spooking Davy and other horses. Ms Larsson held onto the reins, fell, and was dragged. Paramedics said the severity of her injuries suggested she was also kicked or trampled.
Hospital and Death
Ms Larsson was airlifted to King's College Hospital in London. She suffered a cardiac arrest en route and underwent damage control surgery. Despite multiple surgeries, she developed a fungal infection (Candida auris) that proved difficult to treat. She eventually went into multi-organ failure, and on October 13, the decision was made to move to end-of-life care. She died that day.
Friend's Call for Change
Close friend Nick Pearce said: “She was such a strong personality.” He noted that Ms Larsson worked over 80 hours a week and was generous. While she wore a riding hat, she did not wear a body or back protector. It is not mandatory for riding school clients to wear one, but Cornilo’s rules required one when jumping. Mr Pearce wants a law requiring novice riders to wear body protectors at all times. He said: “I'm in the belief that this would have saved her life.”
Riding School and Horse
Davy, a 15.1-hand gelding, had back problems and had bucked with riders before, but instructor Ms Deverill and school owners Marina Aunger and Robert Hinks said he was fit to ride. Ms Larsson preferred Davy because he was more responsive. Dover District Council investigated but found no breaches of licensing, noting that the risk of unpredictable horse behavior cannot be eradicated. The council advised the school to review emergency arrangements and produce a clear plan. Since the accident, Davy has had another adverse reaction to dogs and is not used for hacks.
Tributes
Ms Larsson’s partner, Nick Anderson, described her as an animal lover and strong-minded. Tributes poured in, with one reading: “You brought joy, laughter and light to everyone who met you.” Coroner Katrina Hepburn offered condolences and said a prevention of future deaths report was not necessary, as recommendations had been addressed.
