Police warning after horses are put down and riders injured following collision with car

A call to drivers to take care on country lanes follows a court case, held in Horsham, which followed two horse riders being injured and the horses they were riding having to be put down.

Surrey Police say that Karen Higgins, 36, from Orchard Close in Normandy, near Guildford, was found guilty of driving without due care following the incident which happened on Westwood Lane, Normandy, on November 26 2017.

One of the riders, a teenage girl, sustained minor injuries, however the other rider, a woman, received more serious injuries which resulted in a hospital stay.

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A vet had to put down the two horses at the roadside due to their injuries.

The police statement says that Higgins appeared at Horsham Magistrates Court on Monday (October 15) where she was found guilty of driving without due care.

She received five points on her licence and a £600 fine. She will also have to pay costs.

Wildlife and Rural Crime Coordinator, PC Laura Rowley said: “This was a clear, bright autumn morning; but the driver failed to take account of the dazzling low sun with tragic consequences.

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“The rural roads of Surrey are for everyone, so I ask everyone who uses them to anticipate other road users - whether on two legs, four legs, two wheels or four.

“If you are passing a more vulnerable road user; such as a horse, pedestrian or bicycle; slow down and pass them wide - if there isn’t space to pass safely, hold back and wait.

“Take time to make sure they are aware of your presence, and don’t make any surprise noises such as gear changes or horns.”