The mother of a rider who was knocked unconscious after an accident on Freshwater East beach has thanked everyone who came to the rescue of her daughter and the pony.

The animal stumbled while being exercised, sending the 22-year-old woman, who was in the saddle, head over heels onto the sands and knocking her unconscious for a minute.

St Govans, Tenby, Manorbier and Castlemartin coastguards were tasked to help ambulance crews at the scene.

After initial treatment by paramedics, the woman from Manorbier was conveyed across the beach in the coastguard 4x4. An awaiting ambulance took her to Withybush Hospital suffering from concussion The 16-year-old pony, which suffered a broken leg, had to be put down at the scene by a local vet.

"I would like to particularly thank the people who stayed with my daughter after the accident and called the ambulance and coastguard, to enable her to get to hospital," said the mother, who did not wish to be named.

"Another gentleman stayed with the pony to keep her calm and reassured until the vet reached her.

"So many people went above and beyond the call of duty to respond to a very traumatic incident, and I am very grateful to them all for their kindness."