She was an award-winning show jumper until she was struck by a van

An award-winning showjumper suffered serious injuries after she was knocked off her horse when a van crashed into them. Ria Comins was out riding with friends when her horse Ruby was spooked and struck by a van on Collenna Road in Tonyrefail. Ria was thrown to the ground.

The 23-year-old from Pontypridd suffered an injury to her right leg, where the bone had broken and was protruding through her skin. She was taken to hospital by ambulance, where she underwent surgery and a blood transfusion. She also suffered extensive scarring. Ria remained in hospital for eight days. Following her discharge home, she required a walking frame and was cared for by her mum and dad, Helen and Jason.

Now as part of Road Safety Week, Ria is speaking out on how she continues to be impacted, both physically and psychologically, by what happened and to highlight the vulnerability of horse riders. Prior to the incident, Ria was a member of the British Showjumping Association, winning more than 100 classes. She was also invited to perform for the Welsh team. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter

While Ria and Ruby are back riding together, due to her injuries, Ria can no longer compete at the same level. Last November, she had surgery to remove the metalwork from her leg. In February, this year, she was given the all clear to return to horse riding and began part-time livery again. However, she continues to struggle with uneven ground and the psychological impact of her injury.

Ria said: “It’s coming up to three years since the accident and even though I’ve come a long way, I can still get very overwhelmed by everything that I’ve been through.

“I’ve been horse riding since I was two and had been competing with Ruby for many years, so I’ve really struggled with how that part of my life has changed.

“I had never planned to have a lifelong office job and always wanted to do something with horses. The dream was to have my own yard, but I worry that I’ll never regain the strength to carry out all the work required as it can be very labour-intensive.

“I’m lucky to have the support of my mum and dad, they’ve been incredible, and I just hope that with the settlement I can now close this chapter and move forward with my life.

“All I want to do now is make others aware of what can happen on the roads and remember that a horse rider could be around the corner. My life was changed in a split-second due to the actions of someone else and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

Before the incident, Ria was generally well and lived independently in the family home. Afterwards, she needed help with a lot of her daily care. She underwent various therapies and joined a gym to assist with her mobility. As a result of her injuries, Ria, who’s employed as an administrator, began working from home on reduced hours.

Following the collision in January 2022, Ria instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies she requires.

Her legal team at Irwin Mitchell has now secured Ria an undisclosed settlement which will fund her ongoing care and any future treatment she needs, including specialist sleeves to aid her scarring.

Ehlana Penwarden, the serious injury expert at Irwin Mitchell who represented Ria, said: “Ria’s injuries have had a significant impact on her daily life, but she’s worked hard at her recovery and has shown such resilience to return to horse riding after what she’s been through.

“She continues to struggle at times but she’s young and has learnt to manage her difficulties. We’re pleased that we’ve been able to secure this settlement for her, which will also help her move forward and put the collision behind her.

“Horse riders are some of the most vulnerable road users and Ria’s case is a vivid reminder of the potential consequences they can be left facing as a result of the actions of others. We therefore urge everyone to take care on the roads at all times.” Road Safety Week, organised by charity Brake, runs from 17 to 23 November. Find out more at www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week.

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