A WELL-known West Somerset dog trainer and pet behaviourist died in a freak accident while horse-riding on Boxing Day.
Emergency crews including the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance raced to the wood, but Mrs Warstat died at the scene.
An inquest was due to be opened and adjourned as the Free Press went to print yesterday (Thursday).
On Wednesday, a spokesman for the West Somerset coroner said that the cause of Mrs Warstat's death was currently "unascertained".
Police confirmed they had been notified of a "sudden death" in East Luccott Wood and said the incident was not being treated as suspicious.
Mrs Warstat was married to Stuart and had two children, Sam and Amy.
Her family paid tribute to her and said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
In a death announcement in today's Free Press, the family said: "Fiona was full of life and will be greatly missed by all her family and by the many people, dogs and other animals who were such a big part of her life."
Mrs Warstat was a familiar face in West Somerset through her business Instincts Pet Behaviour Therapy and Positive Training, which she ran from Periton Park Court and Stables on the outskirts of Minehead.
She set up the business in 1995 and had built up a first class reputation among local pet owners and animal professionals including vets.
She specialised in helping owners overcome their pets' behaviour problems and treated creatures ranging from cats and dogs to rabbits, parrots and even exotic pets.
She also ran dog training classes in Allerford and St Audries and courses in animal behaviour at Minehead's Somerset Skills and Learning centre.
Previously, she had worked for eight years as a veterinary nurse, both in Surrey and Somerset before deciding to concentrate on pet behaviour and counselling.
She was a member of the Guild of Dog Trainers and had successfully completed the guild's introduction, advanced and diploma courses.
In all, she had helped to train dogs for more than 30 years and had worked as an instructor for 17 years, running puppy, obedience, social and agility groups, as well as offering individual training.
Her clients praised her sense of humour and fun and the care she showed to both animals and their owners.
In a glowing testimonial on her business website, vet Simon White, of White Lodge Veterinary Clinic in Minehead, said: "Fiona Warstat has provided us with a reliable and professional service through her Instincts Behaviour Therapy for several years now.
"We have found her to be successful with her in-depth analysis and home visits where we have often despaired with problem dogs and cats."