Heartfelt tributes were today paid to a woman who died in a freak accident when she fell off her horse.

Georgia Hill, 31, was pronounced dead in hospital two hours after the tragedy which happened at stables at Manor Farm, Old Hollings Hill, Guiseley.

Miss Hill, who was not married but had a long-term partner, is believed to have been riding her horse in the stables' enclosure when her foot slipped on the stirrup and she fell, banging her head.

The tragedy occurred at about 8pm on Tuesday. Ms Hill died less than two hours later in the intensive care unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary. Her family were too upset to speak.

However, Richard Drake, owner of Manor Farm, paid tribute to Miss Hill, of Bradford Road, Burley-in-Wharfedale, who had stabled her horse there for more than four years and had become a friend.

Mr Drake said: "This tragic incident has taken away a wonderful woman who had a great passion for horse riding and who was well loved by everyone at the stables. We all miss her dearly.

"Our thoughts are with Georgia's family at this very difficult time," he added.

The Health and Safety Executive has started an investigation to find out how the accident happened.

An inquest into Ms Hill's death is expected to be opened and adjourned in the next few days so that her body can be released for burial.

A spokesman for Leeds Coroners' office said that no date had yet been set for the inquest.

"The inquest has not yet been opened and we are still holding inquiries with her family," she said.

The Health and Safety Executive confirmed it had started an investigation into the tragedy. A spokesman said: "We cannot comment at the moment with regards to the circumstances as they will form the basis of the investigation."