Villagers have reacted with shock and sadness following the death of an elderly horse rider.

As previously reported, emergency services were called to Oakers Wood in Moreton on 4.12pm on Saturday August 10 following reports of a woman requiring medical attention.

It is understood the woman is a respected horse rider and was out on a ride in the area which is a popular walking and hiking trail in Dorset. 

She is also believed to have been accompanied by another elderly gentleman. 

Police officers were in attendance as well as two ambulance crew and an operations officer.

An air ambulance was also seen circling around the area. 

Sadly, the woman – aged in her 80s – was pronounced dead at the scene.

Gillian Carpenter, chair of Moreton Parish Council, has expressed her condolences to the woman who was well known in the community. 

She said: "Many residents of Moreton have known her for many years. We would like to pass on our condolences to her family and friends at this very sad time."

A local woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It's so sad this has happened." 

Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious and the woman's family have been made aware.

The coroner has also been informed. 

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police received a report at 4.12pm on Saturday 10 August of a woman requiring medical attention in Oakers Wood in Moreton.

"Officers attended to assist the ambulance service. Very sadly, the woman – aged in her 80s and from Wareham – was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her family were made aware and HM Coroner has been notified.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who sadly died at this difficult time."

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said: “We were called at 3.36pm on Saturday, August 10 to an incident near Moreton, Dorset."

"We sent two double-crewed land ambulances, an air ambulance, and an operations officer to the scene.”

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were contacted but wished not to comment at this time.