A CORONER has warned holidaymakers of the dangers in taking part in sporting activities abroad after a New Milton woman died in a tragic riding accident.

Susan Misselbrook, 26, of Drake Close, was without a helmet when she was thrown from a horse in Egypt and suffered a fractured skull.

She was flown to Southampton but later died at the city's general hospital from a heart attack.

The telephone systems analyst had been holidaying with sister Amanda, 22, and three former school friends.

Miss Misselbrook was riding with her sister, friend Kerry Salter and other tourists when her horse reared up and galloped off, the hearing was told.

Amanda told the inquest she found her unconscious on the ground moments later.

Gordon Denson, Southampton deputy coroner, said no safety helmets had been available at the stables for riders.

He added: "I would like to make a comment on the dangers of engaging in sports abroad.

"In this country there are so many regulations to cover such events but sadly this is not always the case worldwide.

"With hindsight, if Susan had been wearing a helmet we may not have been here at this inquest today.

"One must think very carefully about engaging in any potentially dangerous sports while on holiday when necessary equipment is not available." Amanda told the inquest that her sister's only previous riding experience had been on holidays.

She said: "About an hour into the ride we stopped for a drink and stayed on the horses.

"We each in turn had water, then set off again. About a minute later two of the horses, which were Kerry's and Susan's, both reared up and spooked out."

Miss Misselbrook was flown back to England following the accident on July 11, but died five days later at Southampton General Hospital.

Mr Denson recorded a verdict of accidental death.