Spooked Horses Dump Riders: One Returns, One Missing
Photo Illustration by Austin Vitt, Pet Pulse
May 5, 2008
SECAUCUS, N.J. -- A horse becoming spooked is not terribly unusual, however, this weekend brought two separate cases of riders being thrown off their mounts, which are of merit.
The first incident happened on Friday in New York City as NYPD mounted-patrol horse Aldo, was returning from patrol with Officer Martin Brown.
The partners were about eight blocks from the stable when a traffic noise spooked the eight-year old equine. He threw the 21-year police veteran in fright, but returned directly to the stable.
New York police spokesman Paul Browne says the horse “knows his turf,” in an Associated Press interview.
Aldo, who has been serving as a police horse for about a year, suffered a few small cuts, while his rider injured his neck and shoulder.
The second incident occurred in Florida on Saturday. Antz was being walked in Malabar when a driver passed by, throttling the engine. The 6-year-old grey thoroughbred threw his rider, Doug Hanna, “about five feet in the air and stepped on my hip in the process,” he told Local6.com.
Although Hanna dusted himself off to run after his loose horse, Antz has been missing since. Hanna last saw Antz walking toward Weber Road in Melabar and is concerned he might walk along the highway, endangering himself, pedestrians and drivers.
“But he has a very strong will,” Hanna said of the horse’s survival aptitude.
Anzt was rescued by Hanna a year ago from Horse Protection Association in Mucanopy, a small town near Gainesville, Fla. Antz had been neglected and nearly starved by previous owners.
Hanna hopes he has the chance to come to Antz’s aid a second time.
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The Associated Press and Local6.com contributed to this article
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He worked third shift and always arrived at work 30-45 minutes early. But one night, a car had rammed the back of a horse drawn carriage. Dad stopped to help if he could. The carriage was so smashed up. The folks in the carriage was taken to the hospital in serious condition. The horse had to be put down. They shot it right there on the street because it was in so much pain. The folks in the car were cited. They were made a major example of.
My dad said it was the worse thing he had ever seen and he was war. So it had to be really bad.
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On another trail ride, a car was going to fast and lost control somehow. Unfortunately one man couldn't get his horse out of the way in time and even though he wasn't hurt too bad, his horse had to be put down because of horrific injuries. That's not something you want to witness or your children to witness.
People need to have respect. And they do need to understand it's not "all about me", and "whatever I want to do is what I'm going to do, who cares" because things happen and can get out of control...like the driver who hit the horse. Bet he never thought something that freaky would happen to him. I too hope that they create more laws to protect horses and riders. Until then I'm afraid that people are going to learn their lessons the hard way, and unfortunately that could be bad for a horse and/or rider.
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I always teach my kids to love animals, approach them carefully, and respect what people tell them about their pets, including people with dogs, riders, and snake owners. i explain that the human race would not survive with the animals of the world.
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Best of luck in locating him quickly.
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I hope they find Antz soon! Please keep us updated! How scary for him and his owner! Hope & prayers for his safe return!
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It sounds like everyone's doing okay,which is good,I just hope that poor Antz gets home soon.
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