Tributes have been paid to Geraldine White, assistant manager at the Greenslade Taylor Hunt (GTH) office in Chard, who has died following a serious horse-riding accident.

White, 76, was taking part in an endurance horse ride on 25 October when the incident occurred. She was airlifted to a hospital in Southampton but never regained consciousness.

Colleagues described White as a “highly valued and loyal member” of the team. She joined GTH in 1993, initially working for Will Handel’s father, Chris.

Raised in Ireland, White’s family moved to Axminster in East Devon, where she had been based since the early 1970s. According to the Greenslade Taylor Hunt website, her passions included both estate agency and horses, in which she was known to be “fiercely competitive.”

Heather Giles, chair of the Dorset Long Distance Walking Association, and a close friend of White, said: “Geraldine was one of the most generous people I have ever met.

“I have known her for 25 years; she was my best friend, and she and I shared many adventures. We rode together, organised rides together, socialised together and walked many miles – most recently walking the Ridgeway in September last year – Geraldine, me and Winnie the dog – and at the end we were still on speaking terms.”

GTH also paid tribute to Geraldine, a spokesperson stated: “Over the years, she became a familiar and trusted face in the Chard area, overseeing the sale of hundreds of local properties.

“Her professionalism, energy, and commitment were second to none, and she continued to perform at the very top of her game right up to the present day.

“Outside of work, Geraldine was a passionate horse rider and dedicated endurance competitor, as well as an enthusiastic walker — often taking on 30-mile ‘strolls’. She was known for her competitive spirit, professionalism, and kind-hearted nature.

“Geraldine will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of working with her. Our thoughts are with her family, colleagues and friends at this very difficult time.”