A trainee riding instructor, seriously injured after a horse kick to the head, how she has been robbed of the chance to own her own stables.

When Matilda Webb, known as Tilly, was discovered unconscious in a field five years ago her mother was told to fear the worst.

A kick from a horse had so badly damaged Tilly's skull and brain tissue, Carol Webb was warned her daughter might never walk or talk again.

Now, five years on, Tilly, 26,from Eastbourne, carries out voluntary youth work at her local church and has just settled a compensation claim for £500,000 against her former employers at Jevington Place Stables, Jevington, near Polegate.

But Tilly and Mrs Webb are keen to point out the money will lie in a protective trust, watched over by the courts.

Tilly said: "Everyone said it would be different when the case was finished and it would change things but it won't. I'll never be able to get a job but I am glad it's finished."

Mrs Webb said the end of the one-day hearing at London's High Court on Monday had come as a relief but at the same time was something of an anti-climax.

Mrs Webb said: "I am so proud of Tilly. The last expert we saw was a psychiatrist. He said my daughter had been so brave. He said it would have finished off many other young women."

The case was settled after the stable owners admitted three quarters of the liability.

Tilly's sister still keeps a horse at the stable and the family has no grudge against the owner of the horse which kicked her or the owners of the stables.

Tilly said: "I do miss being there and the company of my friends. I don't know who works there now. I miss the horses."

Since the accident she has developed epilepsy which means she cannot drink and suffers from extreme tiredness and tinnitus.

Her memory has been largely impaired and her ability to retain information so damaged it would be difficult for her to hold down a job. Her dream of owning an equestrian centre has been shattered and the future is still somewhat uncertain.

Some of the money will be spent on buying a car and some on paying back the employment benefit she has received since the accident.