Show pony killed in tragic road accident in Essex
A pregnant rider has survived a road accident, which killed her pony earlier this week. The 13.2hh Bradmore-bred show pony mare died at the scene while 20-year-old owner Joanne Goldsmith was taken to hospital with head injuries.
They were hit by a car in Bulphan, Essex at around 7.30am on Monday. Jo was riding from a bridleway to the stables where her pony Linnet was kept,just 100yds down the road, when the accident happened.
The road, which is described as a busy country road by local residents, is reportedly used by drivers as a cut through from the A13 to the A127. The driver involved in the incident, who has not been named, is said to have been shaken but unhurt.
Joanne, who has been kept in hospital under observation, was described by her friend Sharon Peel as an “experienced and capable” rider.
“Linnet was totally safe in traffic. Being six-monthspregnant there is no way Jo would have been riding if the pony wasn’t completely trustworthy,” said Sharon
Sheila Hardy, BHS head of safety, said: “This is at least the 12th horse that has died on road this year.
“No rider takes to the roadby choice. Most, like this rider, are forced to do so to get to off-road riding facilities, highlighting the need for more off-road riding. This is yet another tragedy to add to the ever increasing number of road accidents involving horses.”
