Richard has been seen 'hobbling' around on crutches this week after falling off a horse ! He took the stallion for a ride ahead of a three-mile steeple chase along the banks of the river Severn.

But the horse threw Hammond, 39, onto the hard turf where he landed heavily on his backside, surviving the fall without any broken bones.

Nevertheless, he still suffered numerous abrasions and a bruised backside.

Saturday's accident forced him to pull out of the Hayes Golden Button Challenge in Tirley, Glos., which he watched from the sidelines with the aid of a crutch.

Ledbury Hunt master David Redvers, who organised the annual event, said: "He was trying out a horse locally when he fell off it and hurt his backside.

"He was looking to hire it for the day but the horse was spooked by something in the bushes – sometimes that happens.

"Richard's basically just banged his backside which means he's a bit sore but he'll be fine."

He's very frustrated but he always takes these things in good grace and I don't think it will put him off.

"Whenever he comes unstuck he smiles and carries on and they all had a nice family day out instead."

Hammond and his wife Mindy, 36, a keen horse rider, had hoped to complete the cross-country race on the banks of the River Severn together.

He took riding lessons last year for an episode of Top Gear where he chased Jeremy Clarkson in a mock hunt. Clarkson was dressed as the fox.

But his injuries left him unable to ride and he watched the raise with Mindy and their two daughters Izzy, eight, and Willow, five, from the sidelines.

According to friends, he is already preparing to take part in next year's event, which takes place near their family home in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.

When asked about the fall Hammond said " “I’m very cross but should be off crutches by the end of this week. I fell off the horse the very day I had a Hayabusa delivered by Suzuki so I could test it out for a bit. It’s sat in the shed at the moment and hasn’t turned a wheel." He went on to saythat it’s the worse injury than he has ever had in 25 years of riding motorcycles !
He has told organisers that he hopes to take part next year. Given his track record, one can only assume Mindy has mixed feeling at the prospect….