A RIDER was thrown from a horse after it was "spooked" by a car overtaking a tractor in North Yorkshire.

A small red hatchback car travelling towards Pateley Bridge overtook a tractor which was towing a trailer carrying bales of hay, North Yorkshire Police said.

A spokesman for the force added: "As it did so, two horses being ridden in the opposite direction became spooked and one threw its rider."

It happened at about 1.30pm yesterday close to Sawley, near Ripon, at the junction of the B6265 and Sawley Moor Lane.

"The driver of the red car returned and apologised, but left the scene without leaving any details," the spokesman said.

The injured rider, a woman in her 30s, was taken by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary, where she received treatment for her injuries before being discharged later that day.

TC Rob Roberts, of Harrogate Roads Policing Group, said: "I need to speak to the drivers of the red hatchback car and the tractor, in order to establish the full circumstances behind this incident.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who saw any of the vehicles involved."

Phone North Yorkshire Police with information on 101, quoting reference number NYP-25072017-0272 or email rob.roberts@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.