David BaleTributes have been paid to a 32-year-old horseman who died in a road accident just a few miles from his home.Jonathan Boast was driving to meet a friend in the village where his parents lived when he was involved in a three-car collision.David Bale

Tributes have been paid to a 32-year-old horseman who died in a road accident just a few miles from his home.

Jonathan Boast was driving to meet a friend in the village where his parents lived when he was involved in a three-car collision.

His beloved dog, Benson, which went everywhere with him, survived the crash unhurt.

Today Mr Boast's family paid tribute to a man they described as someone who loved horses and children.

Mr Boast's mother, Jill, 66, who runs a taxi service from their home in Brampton, near Aylsham, and father Ray, 67, said there was no horse that ever got the better of him.

She said: 'He could ride any horse and that is what people remember about him. He was wonderful with horses. He would get on to problem horses that nobody else would touch. He enjoyed the challenge and no horse ever got the better of him.'

His love for horses only developed when, aged 21, he met his partner Julie Stratton, 32, with whom he lived part-time in Horsham St Faith.

She said: 'We met when we were 21 and I got him into horses and taught him how to ride. We separated for a while and I had a child in another relationship, but when we reunited he took on the child, Ashley Louise Stratton, as his own. That shows how kind he was and what kind of man he was.'

The couple started working together at Redwings horse sanctuary's former quarantine yard in Brampton.

They then worked at horse stables in Wiltshire where both trained race horses, before running a livery yard together in Brampton.

Mr Boast also competed in cross-country races and at show-jumping events.

A post mortem examination was carried out and revealed that he died from internal injuries, and an inquest was opened and adjourned.

Mrs Boast added: 'The police, ambulance and hospital were wonderful. We even got a condolence card from critical care at the hospital, which is very rare.'

Mr Boast, who went to Aylsham High School and Paston College in North Walsham, was one of five children.

The keen sportsman, who was brought up in Aylsham, was once a teenage speedway rider and kickboxer, and sparred with Norwich boxers Jon Thaxton and Herbie Hide.

He died in the collision on Spixworth road, Frettenham, near the Rose and Crown pub, at about 10.50am on Saturday. The other vehicles involved in the collision were travelling in the opposite direction.

A celebration of his life will be held at The Lodge in Aylsham on Friday, November 27 followed by a family cremation at St Faiths. Donations can be given to the East Anglian Air Ambulance or the Injured Jockeys' Fund.