© Provided by Reach Publishing Services Limited Yvonne Connolly

Yvonne Connolly needs to have surgery after she was kicked in the face by a horse over the weekend.

The former model and avid rider is understood to have suffered a broken jaw and a possible broken nose in the incident.

She was taken to a hospital in the Midlands before being transferred to a Dublin facility on Monday.

© Provided by Reach Publishing Services Limited Yvonne Connolly

It is believed the mum of three will have maxillofacial surgery – which specialises in the face, mouth and jaw – this week.

Yvonne was married to former Boyzone star Ronan Keating for 12 years.

They split in 2010 when the 45-year-old discovered he had been having an affair with backing dancer Francine Cornell.

The sometime Six O’Clock Show presenter has since found love again with filmmaker John Conroy.

Horse-loving Connolly recently took part in a series of races to raise money for injured jockeys. In July, she won in the Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series at the Curragh, riding Neverushacon to victory.

Speaking afterwards, a delighted Yvonne said: “I really enjoyed it I’m in shock but over the moon. I just did exactly what Jessica [Harrington] told me to.

“I relaxed as much as I could and remembered to breathe and deep down I knew from the half-way mark that I was going to win.”

© Provided by Reach Publishing Services Limited Yvonne Connolly

She completed the last race of the series in October at Leopardstown and finished third overall in the series, raising €10,000 for Irish Injured Jockeys.

Taking to social media at the completion of the challenge, Yvonne said: “The final race of the Corinthian Challenge didn’t go our way.

“My win at the Curragh certainly helped with points and I came 3rd in the overall competition.

“I couldn’t be happier and can only reflect on what has been one of the best experiences of my life.”

The Irish Mirror has contacted Yvonne and her representatives for comment.

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