Horseplay goes South: Madonna taken to hospital

Apr 19, 2009, 11:00 GMT

The \'4 Minutes\' singer was taken to a New York clinic on Saturday (18.04.09) after suffering cuts and bruises following the fall at the home of her friend, photographer Steven Klein, in South Hampton, New York. EPA/CAROLINE BLUMBERG

Madonna has been rushed to hospital after falling from her horse.

The '4 Minutes' singer was taken to a New York clinic on Saturday (18.04.09) after suffering cuts and bruises following the fall at the home of her friend, photographer Steven Klein, in South Hampton, New York.

Madonna's representative Liz Rosenberg confirmed: "The accident occurred when the horse Madonna was riding was startled by paparazzi who jumped out of the bushes to photograph the singer, who was visiting friends on Eastern Long Island over the weekend.

"Madonna will be having further tests and will continue to remain under observation by doctors."

The 50-year-old star has now been released from hospital.

This is not the first time Madonna has been involved in a riding accident.

In 2005, the singer suffered three cracked ribs and broke her hand and collar bone when she was thrown from a horse on her Ashcombe country estate in England.

The accident happened when Madonna was riding a hose given to her for her 47th birthday by her now ex-husband Guy Ritchie, and she had to undergo months of physiotherapy and Pilates before she was back to full health.

Seven months after the fall, she was pictured by Steven for an equestrian-themed 50-page spread in American magazine W.

Meanwhile, it has been claimed Madonna is dating millionaire businessman Abraham Moses Schimmel, also known as Marc.

The pair enjoyed a string of intimate days while mother-of-three Madonna - who was previously said to be romancing 22-year-old Brazilian model Jesus Luz - was in London recently.

A source said: "It's bizarre, you couldn't find two men more different. Jesus isn't happy about her relationship with Marc, but she enjoys his company.

"There's a deep spiritual connection that neither of them have ever experienced."