Manchester driver hits horse and rider ‘then drives off’

This is the horrifying moment a driver ploughed into the back of a horse, leaving its rider sprawled in the road and the animal needing major surgery.

The motorist tried to overtake another parked car and the horse at the same time, clipping the animal in the process and sending its rider flying through the air.

CCTV footage shows the rider, known only as Louise, landing heavily in the road in Chesterfield, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday, as her horse bolted down the pavement.

Jill Young, a friend of the rider, said: ‘So this happened to a friend of mine yesterday and her horse is now undergoing major surgery.

‘The woman driver drove away leaving Louise on the floor.’

She added: ‘Why would anyone drive so close to a horse and rider? Why would anyone injure said animal and person and drive away? I’m so angry.’ 

Kate Rhodes said on Facebook: ‘This is one of the most horrific things I have ever seen. She needs to be prosecuted and banned from driving forever. 

Footage (above) shows a horse rider, known only as Louise, keeping to the left as she trots up a road as the car behind her draws closer and closer in Chesterfield, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday

‘Totally disgusting and inexcusable. I really hope that horse and rider will make a full recovery.’

Another user, Jaimee Blackburn, said: ‘Absolutely shocking. What the hell was the driver thinking? 

‘Really hope horse and rider are okay.’ 

The car hit the rider (pictured), and she landed heavily in the road as her terrified animal bolted down the pavement

Jill Young, a friend of the rider, said: ‘This happened to a friend of mine yesterday and her horse is now undergoing major surgery’