A HORSE rider was left with a suspected broken back after being hit by a driver who sped off leaving her and her horse injured by the side of the road.

The silver estate crashed into the horse knocking both rider Stacey Johnson and Roo to the ground in Newlands, Droitwich on Sunday at about 4.30pm.

Doctors originally thought she may have broken her back but the 20-year-old was left with nerve damage on the right side and is battling intense pain.

Her horse was left battered and bruised and shaken by the crash.

Miss Johnson, from Worcester, said: "We are both very, very lucky to come away with minor injuries.

"They could have killed us.

"I'd like to ask the driver to hand themselves in as it really shook myself and the horse up.

"It is something I never want to relive.

"The car came flying around the corner and took us out completely.

"They then drove off leaving us injured on the side of the road.

"Without the help and support we had I don't know what state we would be in.

"Luckily we are both okay, just battered and bruised, but the outcome could have been different."

Miss Johnson was discharged from Worcestershire Royal Hospital last night (Tuesday) and Roo was checked over by the yard staff, the vet and will be receiving massage therapy from Laura Stickley.

She also thanked a "very kind person" who picked her up off the road and took her back to her horse on his bike.

"I would like to give him a personal thank you."

Police are now investigating the incident and has asked anyone with information to call the non-emergency police number 101 quoting reference number 0177-S-180716.