Olympic hopeful, 12, killed by her own horse in freak accident at indoor event

Olympic hopeful Shannon Bloomfield, 12, died when her pony fell over a jump and crushed her as spectators at the cross-country event looked on.

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Paramedics and a doctor who were at horse riding centre ran into the arena and tried to save Shannon, but she was taken by ambulance to hospital where she was pronounce dead.

Fiona Gifkins, boss of the centre, said: "She was competing and her horse failed to negotiate a fence properly and fell on top of her.

"She was an excellent rider who had great hopes of one day riding at the Olympics."

Today, as her inquest was opened and adjourned, tributes have poured in from friends who have set up a group on the social networking site, Facebook called "R.I.P Shannon we miss you!!!"

Her father Darren Bloomfield also paid tribute to his young daughter on a website for the Milton Keynes Eventing Centre.

"From the day she sat up, she sat on a horse and even then she wanted to jump. Scroll down for more

"She loved all sports and pony club got her into tetrathlon which is running, shooting, horse riding and swimming but for that she had to learn how to swim in weeks because what ever she done she gave it her all.

"At 10 years old she qualified at Addington for the British Show Jumping Championships at the David Broome centre in Wales with over 300 competitors in each class, out of the six classes her and Poppy came away with a 5th and 10th rosette. Even on the day she left us all, she had to win her class"

"I would like to say a big thank you to staff at the Milton Keynes Event Centre for the past couple of months they have helped her and to everyone else over the years who has assisted Shannon on her short but successful life as an athlete."

Shannon was introduced to showjumping by her parents who are both accomplished riders. SHe also had a brother Tony, 20.

Shannon, of Bletchley, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, had been competing in a novice indoor cross-country event on Sunday and had won the class before the tragic accident happened.

A memorial fund is being set up in memory of Shannon, who was a Year 7 pupil at Cottlesloe School in Wing, Bucks.

Andy Fortune, a friend of Shannon's parents, Darren and Wendy, said she would often compete alongside her father in cross-country riding.

He said that despite the tragedy Mr Bloomfield would carry on riding in her name.

"They are just absolutely devastated. Shannon was a very well-loved and well-liked child. She was very funny and she was also an exceptional rider."

He added: "Shannon died doing what she loved. She lived and breathed horses and her whole life revolved around them,"

"She was looking forward to her 13th birthday in September, when she would be old enough to compete in three-day equestrian events.

"She was such a happy bright young girl who had an adult head on her shoulders.

"She was considered to have a good chance of going on to compete at the 2012 Olympics. Before the tragedy on Sunday she had already won another event."

Her head teacher Nigel Fox said: "She was a lovely girl and a wonderful student who will be sadly missed by the whole community."

Friends on the Facebook site remembered the young rider and "special girl"

Lottie Wemyss said: "My deepest sympathies to Shannon's family. It is devastating news. What a waste of such a young girl who had so much to give."

Lucy Monger added: "We will all remember Shannon for her beaming smile and success as an athlete and young horsewoman."

The Eventing Centre has cancelled next weekend's shows as a mark of respect.

The Health and Safety Executive are investigating the accident.