Riders hurt and horse fatally injured after dog attack

A loose dog has caused one horse to be killed and others significantly injured in an attack in Pembrokeshire.

Police are investigating the incident, which took place in the Nolton Haven area last week.

Around 20 riders had set off on a hack, heading for the beach, when they encountered an aggressive dog.

Witnesses described the ‘out of control’ dog that jumped from a garden and into the path of the group. The dog reportedly bit at horses’ legs, ignoring the calls of its owners for it to return to the property.

The incident caused major distress to the horses, leading to several of the riders falling to the ground and sustaining injuries. Emergency ambulances attended, with some of the riders taken to Withybush Hospital. One horse reportedly had to be put down as a result of its injuries.

“It appears a dog has ran towards the horses and spooked them. This resulted in riders falling. Eight people were injured, ranging from minor injuries to broken bones,” said a spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police, whose investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Penny Herbert of Nolton Stables stated: “We are devastated for the damage done to our staff, the riders and the horse and are shocked to see such dramatic consequences.”