Lord of the Rings actor Orlando Bloom is keeping clear of horses after a fall on Thursday left him with bruised ribs.

Film publicist Clare Raskind said yesterday Bloom, who plays the elf Legolas, fell while shooting was under way on the Queenstown set.

He was taken to Queenstown hospital for X-rays and discharged on Thursday night.

Ms Raskind said he was back on the set yesterday but taking it easy and avoiding horses.

Shooting of the second part of the trilogy was under way in the Ida Valley and would finish next week, she said.