Motorists reminded to be considerate of horse and riders after collision leaves horse needing stitches

*WARNING graphic images*

Motorists are being reminded of the importance of being considerate to horses on the road after an incident in Norden has left a horse needing stitches.

Lara Crisci and a friend were riding down Woodhouse Lane towards the cricket club on Tuesday morning (20 December) when one of their horses was struck from behind by a car.

Both Lara and her friend were riding and leading second horses on their hack; Kizzie, the mare Lara was leading, was the only one injured.

Lara explained: “I was unaware of what had happened until I got myself together and up from falling off when I saw the car smashed up behind me.

“My friend managed to stay on for a short while but then she also fell off due to the noise and panic.

“My horses began to run off toward the busy Edenfield Road when a passer-by managed to stop them from getting to the road. Goodness knows what would have happened if no one stopped them!

“We rang the emergency vets as Kizzie had a massive gash from where the car had hit her and they have managed to stitch her back together, I’m so thankful as it could have been a lot worse!

“They couldn’t see any more damage, but they said that doesn’t mean that she will be completely fine, there may be more injuries down the line like lameness.

“I just wish road users were more aware and considerate to horses on the road so accidents like this don’t have to happen.”

The incident has been reported to the police who have confirmed no arrests have been made at this time.

 

 

Alarming new statistics from The Horse Society have revealed there were nearly 3,000 incidents involving horses and drivers throughout 2021.

The Highway Code warns motorists to 'be particularly careful of horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles especially when overtaking. Always pass wide and slowly. Horse riders are often children, so take extra care and remember riders may ride in double file when escorting a young or inexperienced horse or rider. Look out for horse riders’ and horse drivers’ signals and heed a request to slow down or stop. Take great care and treat all horses as a potential hazard'.

References to ‘road’ generally includes footpaths, bridleways and cycle tracks, and many roadways and driveways on private land (including many car parks).

 

 

In the last year alone, 66 horses have been tragically killed whilst riding on the roads – and 129 injured. 126 people have been injured because of road incidents whilst 13% of riders were victims of road rage or abuse.

When passing a horse on the road, vehicle users should:

• Slow down to a maximum of 10mph
• Be patient – do not sound your horn or rev the engine
• Pass the horse wide and slow, (if safe to do so) at least 2 metres away if possible
• Drive slowly away