A coroner has ruled a woman died by drowning in a river after falling off her horse near Masterton two years ago.
Helen Louise Bain, 38, was riding with a friend through the Ruamahanga River in December 2009.
Wellington coroner Ian Smith says Ms Bain had experience in riding, with time completing endurance events, but fell from her horse while attempting to cross the river.
He says she and her friend had noticed the water level was higher than normal because of heavy rainfall.
Ms Bain felt uncomfortable when crossing the river and turned the horse around, but it was spooked and reared.
The horse regained its footing but she was swept downstream and was found a short time later washed up on an island in the river.
Attempts were made to revive her and she was flown to hospital by rescue helicopter.
Mr Smith has ruled the death as accidental drowning.
