THE parents of a little girl so badly injured at a family day out that she needed plastic surgery are demanding answers from the organisers of the event.

Eight-year-old Ruby Grace, from Haydon End, was riding a pony at the Dubai Arabian International Raceday event held at Newbury Racecourse last month, when the animal suddenly reared up.

The youngster slipped from the pony, leaving her dangling by one leg.

The animal then repeatedly kicked her in the face and body as her horrified mum Donna tried to help her.

“I honestly thought that was the end of my little girl, I thought she was dead,” said mum Donna.

The St Francis Primary School was looking forward to a family day out at the races on July 24 with dad Martin, brother Charlie, 11,and her grandparents.

But disaster struck seconds after Ruby climbed on-board the pony, named Babe.

“The rest of the family were watching the races and Ruby really wanted to have a go on the pony which was part of the family attractions. It was her first time on a horse,” said Donna.

“She climbed up and after a few seconds I think a piece of plastic flew in front of the horse’s face. It instantly reared up and she fell and her foot was stuck in the loop above the stirrup.

“The horse started dragging her around, kicking her in the head and chest. I thought she was dead, there was blood everywhere.

“As a parent, to hear your child screaming like that is absolutely horrifying.”

Ruby was rushed to John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, where she stayed for three days.

She had a three-hour plastic surgery operation to stitch up bad lacerations to her face.

West Berkshire Council have launched an investigation into the incident.

“It has traumatised our entire family, it’s robbed Ruby of her confidence,” said Donna.

“It’s just devastated us all. When it first happened Ruby said she didn’t want to look in the mirror anymore because of how her face looked.

“I want to know how this could have happened, and we want to make sure this doesn’t happen to anybody else.”

Donna and husband Martin said they have not received a sufficient explanation from organisers the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) and Dubai International Arab Races (DIAR).

The family have also had to cancel a holiday to Turkey after doctors advised that Ruby’s injuries should be kept out of the sun.

“We have not received any contact from the pony owners or the organisers, apart from a letter from the ARO telling us to contact DIAR,” said Donna.

“Just to get some well-wishes, or a note of support would be something at least.

“It’s ruined a little girl’s summer, and her confidence. It’s stopped her doing what she wants to do. I want answers.”

A spokesman for West Berkshire Council said: “We are investigating the circumstances of this incident to establish whether any health and safety offences were committed. We don't currently have an expected timescale for the investigation.”

A spokesman for Shadwell Estate Co Ltd, on behalf of DIAR, said: “Following the unfortunate accident involving Ruby Grace on DIAR day recently, a member of the Newbury Racecourse team was in touch with her family on several occasions to check on her wellbeing.

“This was shared with us at Shadwell as we were concerned to be kept informed of her progress but did not wish to intrude on her and her family’s privacy. We wish Ruby and her family all the best during her recovery.”

The Arabian Racing Organisation did not respond to the Adver's calls for a comment.