PUTNEY — Two horseback riders were struck by a pickup truck in South Woodstock last month, leaving one horse dead.
The driver of the truck, Lawrence Allen, 64, of Bridgewater, has been cited on a charge of gross negligent operation and was issued a traffic ticket for control in the presence of animals.
Both riders were transported to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, N.H. with non-life threatening injuries. One horse was euthanized at the scene, and the other is being treated for its injuries.
“There was ample visible distance (at least a quarter of a mile) for a driver to be able to react to stop and/or slow down or at least to swerve around a pedestrian, cyclist or horse at that point of the road at the bridge,” Roxanne Winslow, the owner of the 8-year old mare who died, told the Vermont Standard. A friend was riding Winslow's horse at the time.
The South Woodstock accident happened near the Green Mountain Horse Association, on Route 106, a road often traveled by riders, and marked with horse activity traffic signs.
“The daunting part of all this, is this could have happened to anyone of us, whether we are on horseback or just walking down the road,” Winslow later commented on the Standard's website.
“It is the people driving vehicles that need to pay attention to their driving, stop texting and other distractions and slow down ... be considerate of others using the road,” she continued.
“It isn't worth taking someone's life by a mistake that could have been so easily avoided,” Winslow wrote.
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Drivers can do their part to help keep their Vermont horse riding and driving neighbors safe by employing simple common sense and courtesy.
The Woodstock police officer who responded to the scene of the accident, Officer Joseph Swanson, advises drivers to use more caution around horses on the road.
“Pay attention to signs warning of horses being ridden on the roads in the area; slow down, and give more space rather than less,” he said.
The increase of distracted driving, especially with the use of attention-grabbing electronics, is particularly concerning, as taking your eye off the road for even a few seconds can decrease your ability to react, should a horse on the road come into view.
In nature, horses are prey animals, thus, tend to frighten easily. Their first instinct is to flee perceived danger.
Some of these include barking or unrestrained dogs, wildlife, such as deer, blowing trash, honking horns, power tools, such as chainsaws, bicycles, motorcycles and even stationary rubbish barrels.
Unfortunately, there are also incidences of malicious frightening and taunting of horses, which can cause serious injury to human and horse.
People less familiar with the sport of horseback riding might ask why one would choose to ride a 1,000 pound animal who is subject to unpredictability, in such dangerous circumstances.
While most riders would prefer to keep to quieter environs, such as riding arena, trails and less-traveled dirt roads, it's often necessary to ride on at least some thoroughfare to arrive at such, or to meet riding partners.
Some good tips to follow, if you do come upon a horse being ridden or driven, in your travels:
1. Slow your speed and be ready to stop, if necessary
2. Pay attention to any signal from rider (or horse driver) to slow down or stop.
3. Stop if you see any sudden movement (such as a frightened horse attempting to avoid the source of fear).
4. Under no circumstances, speed up, rev your engine or honk your horn when approaching or just having passed a horse being ridden or driven on the road.
5. If possible, and if it is safe to do so, pass wide and slow.
Riders and horse drivers need to take responsibility for their well-being as well. Here are some tips to follow:
1. Wear reflective or bright clothing, and consider the same for your horse's tail and chest, or legs.
2. Avoid slippery roadways.
3. Only ride on roadways in the light of day, when visibility is good.
4. Consider avoiding roadways on very windy days when a crashing limb or blowing trash may scare your horse into the road.
5. While even the most seasoned of horses can “spook,” only ride calm, experienced horses on the roadway, even if accompanied by a more reliable horse.
6. When with a group, ride single file on the roadway, as far off to the side as safely possible.
7. Always wear a helmet.