£10,900 compensation for rider injured whilst hacking on her retired police horse

The circumstances of the accident were that Miss B had returned home from work and decided to take her horse, Daisy, out for a quick 15 minute hack along a nearby road.

Daisy, is a 16.2 HH retired police horse. Miss B was wearing a bright pink fluorescent riding jacket and hat so both were clearly visible on the road.

They were about ¼ of a mile from their home and were walking on the left hand side of the road when the Defendant, driving a black car, drove into Daisy from the rear catapulting Miss B off and onto the grass verge. As a result of the collision both Miss B and Daisy were injured.

Despite the Defendant initially apologising profusely following the accident, liability was contested as the Defendant argued that as he passed Miss B, Daisy become startled and started to dance around and clipped the Defendant’s wing mirror. This argument was countered by HorseSolicitor as the Defendant’s visibility was clearly hindered by the sun and he ought to have exercised additional caution in passing Miss B and Daisy.

Following exchange of witness evidence Miss B was eventually 100% successful in her claim. An out of court settlement was then reached whereby it was agreed that Miss B would settle for the sum of £9,600.00.

Both Miss B and Daisy made a good physical recovery, however, Daisy remains unsettled when ridden out in traffic.