Horse left with serious injuries by impatient motorist

A fundraiser has been launched to help fund emergency vet bills after a horse was left with serious injuries

A horse was left with serious injuries after being hit by an impatient driver on Manchester Road near Trows Lane in Castleton.

CCTV footage shows a silver car attempting to overtake a horse and rider plus a parked car without leaving sufficient space.

The Highway Code warns motorists to “be particularly careful of horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles especially when overtaking. Always pass wide and slowly".

The rider was flung to the ground after the car hit the back of the horse.

Following the impact, the horse bolted as the motorist could be seen driving away. The car is understood to have a smashed windscreen as a result of the impact.

Jill Young, a friend of the rider’s, commented: “The woman driver drove away leaving Louise on the floor. The police say she will be charged with driving without due care and attention, which comes with a £200 fine and three points. Why would anyone not only drive so close to a horse and rider, but why would anyone injure said animal and person, and drive away?”

The horse, Thomas, is understood to have required urgent surgery at Leahurst in Liverpool after an artery was severed and his tendons damaged ‘extensively’. Whilst he can never be ridden again, there is also a 50/50 chance he will never walk again. Cost of treatment is believed to be around £4,000 and increasing.

Another friend, Emma Taylor, who has launched a fundraiser, said: “Where is the justice? On top of that, she drove off and left Louise in the middle of the road.

“I am just trying to make things a little easier for Louise to raise some funds to contribute towards the vet bill, and travel expense of getting to Liverpool and back on a daily basis.

"If you think you can help any amount no matter how little it could be it would be greatly received as Louise and Thomas didn't deserve any of this.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called at around 4.45pm on Monday 23 October to reports of a collision involving a horse and a car on Manchester Road, Castleton.

"Emergency services attended and the rider, a woman, was assessed by paramedics."


To donate, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emma-taylor-652