Horse dies and rider injured after being hit by a car in a Harborough village

A woman rider was injured and her horse had to be put to sleep after they were hit by a car in a Harborough village.

The casualty was taken to hospital after the tragic accident on Medbourne Road, Hallaton, just before 10am on Saturday (January 2).

Police and ambulances raced to the scene along with a vet.

But the horse was too seriously injured to be saved after the animal was hit from behind.

The village road was shut for about 90 minutes as the incident was dealt with by the 999 services.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said the car collided with the rear of the horse, causing the woman rider to fall off on to the road.

“East Midlands Ambulance Service attended to the rider.

“Her injuries were not reported to be serious.

“A vet also attended the scene,” said a Leicestershire Police spokeswoman.

“The horse had to be put down at the scene of the incident.

“No other injuries were reported.

“The road was closed while emergency services attended the scene.

“The road reopened at around 11.30am.”