Sad news: Another horse killed on the road. (and I knew him)

[Puppy]

Up until last year, when he went to his new home, Rocky lived in the field opposite mine, and in winter rented a stable in my yard. He was a very sweet, quiet horse. If ever a horse could be called "bombproof" he was it. I have ridden the road in question countless times.


R.I.P Rocky

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/city/2007/01/29/88fa92ee-4cc4-4994-9bf5-1d38e2b02c27.lpf

 

[I_A_P]

thats a terrible terrible accident

RIP

 

[kayleigh_and_rocky]

Reading that made me cry

 

[brighteyes]

Poor boy and poor Helen. When will riders get safe off road riding or some respect and consideration for our vulnerability? RIP Rocky.

 

[moodymare1987]

Thats awful, that made me cry aswell, how sad is that thoughts are with the owner

 

[weevil]

I saw that today, such a shame.
RIP Rocky.

 

[SydneyB]

That's awful.

Reading that made me tear up. I really wish drivers would take more care.

 

[rrose]

OMG, How awful. RIP Rocky

 

[jesterfaerie]

OMG that is horrible, I almost cried.
RIP

 

[tanflislibs]

god i hate hearing about these things! how awful it must have been to know them, and to have been there before!! it really puts a perspective on things doesnt it!

 

[Elise]

That's truly awful

RIP Rocky

 

[ladylisa]

RIP Rocky

 

[teapot]

such a shame

 

[Gingernags]

That is awful, poor poor horse and I feel so much for the owner.

Hopefully the last couple of horrible accidents being publicised might bring a bit of awareness to the subject and if it saves just one more horse, at least it would have a slightly positive side.

RIP x

 

[TGM]

That's awful - my sympathy goes out to his owner

.

 

[M_G]

made me cry too
RIP Rocky

 

[Dovorian]

We all often describe such tragedies as 'accidents', but are they pure accidents? From the harrowing report it seems that the bus driver was not taking much care. I ajm an opponent of the scream and sue brigade, howevr I would like to see more active investigation and occasionally a published judgement against a bad or dangerous driver who did not take due care.

 

[the watcher]

It read to me as if the rider had asked the bus driver to slow down and they were complying with that request, and the horse responded to brake noise (air brakes?)
Nothing in that report suggested any kind of dangerous or careless driving. i am all for driver education and prosecution where appropriate, but not in this case

 

[kibob]

Thats so sad. Have to say, in my area, the bus drivers are terrible around horses. From reading the article it sounds as though this driver tried to slow down but I have had some awful incidents where bus drivers show no concern for riders safety.

My thoughts are with the poor owner and RIP Rocky.

 

[Dogbetty141]

sucha shame poor lad! It made me very sad and angry that nothing is being done about it they should set up a campaign! Id def join!

 

[fgroom]

I was nearly crying reading that but it's not fair to accuse the driver of dangerous driving without knowing all the facts.

At 3.20pm the sun could have been low and the driver blinded also was was the rider and horse wearing high viz gear?

My heart goes out to the poor owner but it's not fair to blame one person without knowing the circumstances.

RIP Rocky

 

[PaddyMonty]

[ QUOTE ]

My heart goes out to the poor owner but it's not fair to blame one person without knowing the circumstances.


[/ QUOTE ]

Absolutely.
Given the horse wasn't knocked from its feet and the rider sustained only minor injuries when she hit the windscreen then the bus can not have been traveling at any speed.
Remember, these vehicles have a large mass and thus huge momentum behind them (as any 7.5t horsebox driver will know) and even a very slow impact will cause damage.
The horse turned in to the path of the bus. You cant change direction fast in a bus.
Very tragic but most likely a sad accident.

 

[WelshRareBit]

What a shame, it makes me feel very scared to be riding my horse on the roads...

 

[beenleighford]

RIP ROCKY