A child has been treated in hospital after his pony was spooked by a dirt bike.
Six-year-old Jake Marriner was hacking on his pony, Molly, in Surrey last month (19 January).
A dirt bike approached “at speed” and Jake was unseated when Molly bolted.
Jake was knocked unconscious when he fell face first on Fairlawn Road, Carshalton.
According to Jake’s mother, the biker turned around and came past Jake again, swearing and laughing.
Jake was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service where he was kept overnight.
He has since been discharged with cuts and bruises and is reported to be recovering well.
Molly was not hurt during the incident.
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“Can you imagine what would had happened if he hadn’t been wearing his hat,” said Jake’s mother Christine, who had been leading him at the time of the accident.
The accident was reported to the Metropolitan Police who are investigating.
Those who have any information are urged to contact Sutton Police station by calling 101 or alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Safer roads for riders
Last month (23 January) H&H reported that a petition launched to encourage safe driving around horses had reached over 45,000 signatures.
Cornish rider Debbie Smith set up the petition last year (14 September) after several run-ins with motorists driving too fast around Penzance.
Debbie’s petition intends to make it a legal requirement for drivers to pass horses wide and slow and abide by hand signals to slow down and stop when asked. It also encourages more riders to wear hat cameras when riding, so that dangerous drivers can be recorded.
The petition has been presented to Debbie’s local MP, Derek Thomas, and he is organising a date for to meet the transport minister to discuss the campaign.