Melanie Dodds was on a bridle path when her horse panicked

Melanie Dodds, 37, who has two children, suffered fatal head injuries when her horse was involved in a collision with two cars on the A48 near Caerwent south Wales.

Police are investigating the tragedy, which took place on the A48 near Caerwent, south Wales, shortly before 1000 GMT on Wednesday morning.

An accomplished rider, Ms Dodds was exercising a pony with a friend on a bridle path next to the road near the Wentwood Inn Public House when it is believed the helicopter flew over.

She is a keen horsewoman and rides out of the local stables - no one can believe this has happened Neighbour

Her family released a statement on Thursday which read: "Melanie's greatest love in life was her children; Kayleigh 18 years and Keiron 10 years. She had been involved with horses most of her life and was an accomplished horsewoman but had not had the opportunity to ride for several years.

"Melanie was delighted when she was given the chance to exercise a local pony and had ridden him several times saying how much she enjoyed being back in the saddle.

"Her family were due to attend a carol service that evening, and earlier on she had spoken with her father saying how much she looked forward to the ride and and to all meeting for the evening service.

"Melanie was a bundle of life, always smiling and happy. Her father - Keith, brother - Leighton and her children have wonderful memories of her. She will be sadly missed by all of her family and friends."

Stephen Davies, an eyewitness to the incident, said: "It (the helicopter) was virtually taking off the chimney pots and that spooked the horse which sent it out into the middle of the road with its rider."

Ms Dodds, from Caerwent, was taken by ambulance to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, where she was pronounced dead.

The incident involved two vehicles, a Mazda 323 and a Renault Safrane - the drivers were not injured.

The horse, a Welsh cob called Ed, was put down at the scene because it was seriously injured.

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police confirmed a helicopter was in the vicinity of the incident, but said the investigation was still ongoing.

Officers want to speak to anyone who can offer any information about the incident, and have asked people to contact 01633 838111 and ask for the road policing unit.