A woman was thrown from her horse into a ditch alongside a busy road.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Portland Beach road this afternoon.

Police received a call from a member of the public that a horse was loose along the road at 2.30pm.

It is understood a woman had been riding the horse along the east side of the road with another rider when she was thrown.

Police and ambulance crews were called. Officers blocked off a southbound section of the road.

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The woman was removed from the ditch using a spinal board and taken to Dorset County Hospital. The road was cleared at around 4.45 p.m.

The horse was caught by a member of the public and taken back to the owner's stable. It is not believed to be harmed.

A spokesperson for Weymouth and Portland Police said: "On arrival, officers located the injured rider, who had come free from the horse, in a ditch at the side of the road.

"Police assisted an ambulance crew in recovering the injured rider from the ditch, and with her care in the ambulance.

"One lane of the road was shut for around 2 hours, to enable emergency services to work safely. Thanks to all those who took the time to stop and offer to help.

"The rider who was wet, and cold, has been taken to Dorset County Hospital for treatment.

"The horse we believe is uninjured and is back in its stable."