Madonna's horse was present from husband

Pop queen Madonna was unfamiliar with the horse she was riding when she fell and fractured several bones on Tuesday. The mount was a birthday present from her husband Guy Ritchie.

The Like A Virgin singer was delighted when film-maker Ritchie presented her with the bay mare on her 47th birthday, but Madonna's joy turned to agony when she broke her hand and collarbone and cracked three ribs in the accident at their English country estate.

An insider tells The Sun: "Madonna was totally chuffed with the mare.

“She couldn't wait to go out for a ride on it."

Madonna discovered a passion for riding when Ritchie introduced her to countryside pursuits, and has been taking riding lessons over the past year.

Her riding instructor, Richard Turner, is surprised his star pupil suffered such severe injuries.

"Madonna is a pretty good rider and very fit and agile,” he said.

“Being thrown off is just one of the risks of riding."