AN ANTI-hunt activist was hospitalised after being knocked down by a horse when confronting the North Shropshire Hunt.

Sam Morley, 37, a factory worker from Stoke, was trampled while he was monitoring a hunt at Ash Magna near Whitchurch on January 15.

Mr Morley was taken to hospital, and says doctors told him he was lucky to be alive.

He was released with concussion and muscular trauma to his upper neck and back and has been on painkillers, bed-ridden and unable to work since the incident.

When describing the incident, Mr Morley said: "I lost consciousness for a few seconds.

"These are 600kg animals and it's like getting hit by a car.

"It wasn't a full gallop but it was going at a canter, I would say it must have been about 20mph and the impact just knocked the stuffing out of me completely.

Whitchurch Herald: Sam Morley's injuries.Sam Morley's injuries.

"Paramedics were called and I was taken away on a spinal board as they were concerned about the damage to my neck."

The North Shropshire Hunt confirmed the incident which led to Mr Morley being injured involved one of its members and promised to assist with any police investigation.

"The hunt is aware of an incident which occurred while the mounted followers were riding across private farmland on January 15," a spokesman said.

"The hunt follower was very shocked about what happened so reported the incident to hunt officials and they immediately returned to offer assistance to the injured party and also informed the police.

"The hunt wishes Mr Morley a speedy recovery and will, of course, assist the police with any further enquiries regarding this matter."

Whitchurch Herald: Terrifying footage shows the moment an animal activist was left seriously injured after being mowed down by a HORSE during a hunt stampede. See SWNS story SWMDhunt. Sam Morley, 37, says he is lucky to be alive after a huntsman ploughed into him in Ash

West Mercia Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident.

West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to the scene where they treated Mr Morley for any injuries.

A spokesperson said: "We were called to Ash Lane at 3:16pm on Saturday to reports of a patient who’d become injured after an incident involving a horse.

"We sent one ambulance to the scene and treated a man for injuries not believed to be serious and he was conveyed to hospital for further treatment."

Staffordshire Hunt Sabs confirmed Mr Morley was one of their activists.

A spokesperson for them said: "Thankfully the horses' hooves somehow missed the sab's body and his injuries are consistent with severe impact.

"The sab attempted to walk but fell to the ground repeatedly, at one point losing consciousness briefly.

"He was then able to walk for assistance and wait for an ambulance where he was told he was lucky to be alive."

"Thank you to every one who has wished our sab a speedy recovery."