Police in Kent are investigating an incident in which a young rider was thrown from her horse after it was hit by a motorcycle on a village road.
Louise Elliot, 13, from Shipley Hills in Meopham, Kent was riding her horse, Willow, on a pavement alongside the Wrotham Road when a motorcyclist approachedthem at speed. He revved the bike, in what Louise believes was a deliberate attempt to scare her mount, before losing control and skidding into his off hind leg.
Terrified, Willow bolted and Louise fell off suffering cuts and bruises. Rather than stopping to help, the motorcyclist picked up his damaged bike and made a getaway.
It took Louise ten minutes to find Willow, who suffered from shock and had a severed artery and nasty gash to his hock.
Louise told the Gravesend Express: “I was really scared and shaken and can’t believe he did it.
“He was a prat and did it on purpose to spook Willow. I will not stop riding and although people have in the past tried to spook horses when they are out, nothing like this has ever happened to me before.”
Louise told the police that the rider of the black and orange motorbike was wearing full black leathers with a black helmet and visor. Kent police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, which took place on Monday 14 April at around 5pm, to contact them.
Sarah’s mum, Susan Harpwood told the Gravesend Express: “I just hope we are able to catch the maniac and that plenty of witnesses come forward.”
A police spokesperson for North Kent said: “We have had a good response to this incident but are still investigating it. Anyone with any information should contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone who can provide information on the incident should contact PC Natalie Turnball (tel: 01474 331055) or Crimestoppers (tel: 0800 555111).
