PLYMOUTH, Maine — A white quarter horse named Jack was hit and killed and another horse was injured Tuesday night by a local man driving home from dinner, Penobscot County Sheriff’s Deputy Noel Santiago said Wednesday.
Horse owner Jennifer Smith had just been kicked off Jack about 8 p.m. and was walking him down the side of Ridge Road with friend and neighbor Judy Keyser, who was walking a Percheron mix, when the collision occurred.
“She actually fell off the horse and that probably saved her life,” Santiago said. “The horse probably saved her life.”
Jack’s saddle was embedded in the front window of the car driven by Phillip Hopkins, 31, of Plymouth, who was accompanied by a 21-year-old female passenger, the deputy said.
“The horse was struck and killed and the other horse was injured,” Santiago said. “The severity of the injuries I don’t know.”
Animal Control Officer Danielle Rauscher said the second horse suffered front knee and back leg injuries.
“They’re coming back today to do X-rays on his back legs because the swelling has increased,” Rauscher said Wednesday, referring to the veterinarian.
Hopkins’ passenger “was transported [to a local hospital] for a small puncture wound to her arm from the windshield’s glass,” Santiago said. Hopkins also was treated at the scene for cuts from broken glass.
The deputy said he didn’t believe alcohol or speed were factors in the deadly collision and he did not expect any charges would be filed.
“Everybody was really, really upset,” Rauscher said.
Because the sun had set at 7:30 p.m., a neighbor was out following the two equestrian riding friends in his truck, she said.
“They had a friend that was following along with them with hazard lights on because it was getting to dusk,” Rauscher said, adding Santiago told her the vehicle and animals caused a bottleneck effect on the roadway.
The animal control officer agreed with Santiago’s assessment about the horse saving its owner’s life.
“If Jen had been on that horse she would have been in that windshield,” she said.
Vet medicine has come a long way, but I don’t know if the horse’s injuries can be fixed. Too bad.
Hopefully, he’ll look ahead of the slow moving vehicle next time before he blows past it.Years ago, the sun was shining on my windshield when I came up on a state pickup dawdling down the road. Dropped it down to first and flew around him just to see a cop in the middle of the road directing traffic! I’ll never forget that lecture!
Soooo, what caused this ? Was the guy not paying attention ? Did he not see two horses and a truck with flashers on ? Did he pass the truck at high rate of speed thinking it was just crawling along for no reason ? I guess they really don’t say.
If I said what I really thought I would get banned…I was just wondering what the driver and his female friend may have been doing that they didn’t yield to a full size truck and two horses. Maybe they were playing travel Yahtzee or something.
Or something.
Yup.
No excuse. You see horses in the road, you must slow down and be careful. Just as if there were little children. Pay attention . If you missed a horse you certainly would miss children. Sorry, no excuse. Someone needs to pay and pay dearly.
What if the horses darted in front of him at the last second? They should not be on the road.
Even trails that are built to specifically accommodate horses typically require some amount of traveling on the side of the road or crossing streets. This is common in all “rail to trail” trail systms in this state. There is simply no way to ride in Maine and never travel on roads or cross streets. Its possible in wide open areas like parts of Wyoming or Montana – but definitely not here in Maine. Unless you expect equestrians to trailer their horses to the far reaches of northern maine for every ride this is completely impossible. Perhaps it may be more realistic to expect people to SHARE the road and act COURTEOUSLY to their fellow travelers – but I guess this might be just too much to ask of some folks in today’s world where everything revolves around oneself all the time.
This is my sister and her friend. The horses did not dart out, they were standing on the side of the road. The young man that hit them just didn’t see them. It is unfortunate that people do not pay more attention while driving. As many people have pointed out these are not small animals, one of these horses has to be over 2ooo lbs. If they had been riding the horses at least one of them would be dead along with the horse. Hopefully in the future we all might think of this before we try and answer the phone, or text a reply….
Ridiculous someone couldn’t see them I hope they checked his phone
The article said he passed on the right a vehicle with it’s flashers on. Flashers on usually mean something is not right and he should have used caution.
Why would you pass a vehicle with their flashers on on the
right hand side? I always thought passing on the right wass illegal. The drive
told the cop that he thought the duely was going slow because he might have
seen deer….hmmmm so let’s gun it and pass on the right and see if we can clip
ourselve a deer. The drive of the vehicle should have been sited for driving to
endanger. His car finally stopped a hundred feet from the downed horses…tell
me he wasn’t traveling.
When anyone operates a motor vehicle, they need to pay attention to the road and what is up ahead. Too many people drive while multi-tasking, and it is a wonder more accidents don’t happen. It is a damn shame about the horses, with one dead and one badly injured.
I wish I could say that I was surprised when I read this. I ride horses regularly, and have for nearly 40 years. In recent years I have been appalled and astounded by how disrespectful and dangerous many drivers have been to me and my riding friends. The vast majority of our riding is not on roads, but we often have to go short distances down roads in order to access various trails, or we sometimes need to cross somewhat busy streets. More and more drivers every year seem to have absolutely no clue about how to drive in proximity to horses.
Many, many times I have been passed by people going 55+ mph on back roads with little to no slowing and sometimes without even going out around us. Horses are not simply machines; they are live creatures with their own brains and their own fears. This means that they will sometimes leap up in the air, leap sideways, or bolt in any direction when they become fearful. Things like vehicles – especially vehicles with trailers or flapping tarps or loud engines – can cause this type of panic. When this happens the rider often has NO control; a horse can dart directly into the path of a vehicle in a split second, before the rider has a chance to correct it. If a vehicle is coming towards the horse either too quickly or too closely this can easily spell death for the horse, the rider, and anyone in the car. A horse is typically 1000 – 1300 lbs. and just the right height for a vehicle to hit their legs and have the bulk of the horse go through the windshield into the passengers.
Just two days ago I was riding with a friend and with my son. A motorcycle came within 10 feet of us (without giving us a wide berth) at more than 50 mph. This provides absolutely no room for error, or time for correction for the horse. In the past I have had people lay on their horn as they go by (thus terrifying the horses), and I have even had a car full of teenagers drive within 2 ft of the side of the horses while one young gentleman hung his bare rear end out the window at us. The car full of kids thought it was hystericaly funnyl. While I have a pretty good sense of humor and can see the humor in kids mooning someone, I thought it was darned lucky neither me or my friend (or either of our horses) were seriously injured. I have even once had a person throw a lit firecracker under the belly of my horse because they thought it was funny. For someone unacquainted with horses, this might seem pretty funny. To me and my horse, it was a terrifying experience with potentially deadly consequences.
State law says that ALL traffic – vehicular or bicycle MUST yield to a horse in the road. This is for EVERYONE’s safety. People are often in too much of a hurry to be bothered to slow down or go around, and they often also think it is funny to cause a horse to spook, as well. I’m glad these people were not hurt, but heartbroken for their poor horses. I’m afraid this will not serve as the wakeup call that it should to the many disrespectful and self-absorbed drivers we now have in this state, but hopefully, there will be some previously uninformed drivers who will now slow down and provide extra room when they see horses on the road and understand what could happen.
Thank you for that information. I wasn’t aware that this law was on the books but I think it’s a good one and people should be aware of it. I don’t ride but I frequently care for a neighbor’s horses and have grown to love them as if they were mine. I have witnessed some of the behaviors you describe and it always infuriates me.
Everyone needs to slow down! My husband always says, “You need to slow down to go fast.” My kids will tell you that I am guilty of always saying “Slow and easy wins the race!” Both annoying phrases I agree, but if you think about it, they are very true…
Ricky Bobby does not agree.
First things first, I wasn’t there. That said, my experience has been that the vast majority of drivers in Maine just don’t slow down when they see pedestrians, runners, walkers, children, dogs, horses, tractors, wagons or just about anything else on or near the road. There seems to be an attitude that “I’m driving a car and look out….you’re in my way.” Drivers have a far greater responsibility to others using the road, and they have a responsibility to anticipate that the road may not be clear. They have a duty to keep their vehicle under control to reasonably avoid and give way to others using the road that are less maneuverable or unable to get out of the way quick enough or have less reasoning power than adult humans. I regularly run and I am apalled at the number of drivers who don’t slow down and don’t move over and take the attitude “look out, I’m coming through”. They project the attitude that persons or pets or animals on the side of the road are a nuisnace to them. I see Downeast law appears to fit that mentality. Unfortunately, too many police officers exhibit the same symptoms. In reality, however, the driver had a legal duty to provide the pedistrian in this situation with no less than 3 feet clearance. She was reportedly leading the horse, and a pedestrian. Apparently, for whatever reason, that did not happen. Yes, perhaps the horse spooked and darted sideways in the road. However, motorists have an obligation to anticipate that animals may not always do what they expect. It’s called safe driving and courtesy. Children lack safe reasoning power as well. Would you write this off as easily if a child was killed? Move over, slow down, anticipate that something could happen. If you’re not driving with those principles in mind, you’re not driving safely. In many states, motorists have an affirmative obligation to slow down when approaching horses, whether under saddle and rider, or being led. Why? Because animals sometimes get frightened and react by doing the unexpected. If you don’t slow down around horses, pedetrians, kids, pets or whatever, you are a fool and should face the consequences of your negligence. if you can’t anticipate that people, pets and kids may not know what to do when confronted by your auto driven “at the speed limit”, you probably ought not be driving.
to many people no each other around here you figure it out
becouse of his actions and not paying attention to the road or haven any common sence to slow down with a truck with four ways on may of coused two of my good friends lives plus him and the passenger ,this guy put everyone in dangor that night and coused a nighmare this memory will never fade never will leave my friends mind ,my friend lost a pet and a best friend that saved her life,people need to have respect with horse on the road and if some people dont know this “horses have the right away ” no matter what if there on the road you slow down …this needs to be relized and notice that us riders are not only look out for us where also looking out for our horse and YOU ! so please when your see horse on the road please slow down -prayers are with the horse that recoverying .R.I.P jack you were a great horse and very loved we will cherish and remember all the great rides we will nver forget that you. Your mommy loves you so much and will miss you everyday from today until she sees you again
I was riding 4 wheeleer in the trails and came upon a horse; I slowed right down almost to a stop, and the horse owner told me that it actually spooked the horse MORE that we slowed down than if we had just kept at a normal (25 MPH) speed. I’m so sorry to hear of this accident.
I think it depends on the horse. I have had a few well intended riders do this and sometimes it does make matters worse and the best thing to have done is to go by slow and steady. Horses eyes are on the sides of their heads and they can’t see what is coming up behind them, once your in front of them you should be ok. I think the best thing to do is to make eye contact with the rider, he or she should then direct you as to what to do. But from all of us riders out there a heartfelt thanks for caring and taking the time to slow down. You have good intentions..
I find that when riding 4 wheelers and motorcycles have been very considerate. I ride with a club and we have to cross roads and bridges to get to trails. The club was doing a fund raising trailride for cancer and the horses had pink ribbons sprayed on their butts. There were 42 horses. We were crossing over the I-95 and had outriders on each side to stop traffic for a few minutes so everyone could cross safely. A “lady” was behind the group and started laying on the horn because she was so impatient. It doesn’t take long to be considerate and pass a horse and rider safely. Slow down and enjoy the scenery. It could save a life.
“The deputy said he didn’t believe alcohol or speed were factors in the
deadly collision and he did not expect any charges would be filed.”
Why not? Did both of these horses really leap out into the road in front of Mr. Hopkins’ vehicle?
It sounds like the driver was either driving too fast for the conditions, was not paying attention, or both.
When Judy Edgerly lost her horse earlier this summer and Channel 5 was there to cover the story, I suggested to the reporter about doing a story about people slowing down for horses , to educate the public of how dangerous it is passing a horse while going to fast. To date I haven’t seen one done, I wonder if this tragedy will prompt one? AND I agree with the posts than mention drivers being self centered and can’t take the time to slow down, its a “all about me ” world out there today. Life gets in our way, sadly Jack doesn’t have to worry about this anymore . Yes it was a horrible accident but I am sure it could of been avoided if someone was paying attention. I was a teen ager in High School back in 1974 and was leading my horse home after riding all morning. We were coming around a corner on my road and heard a car approaching us at a high rate of speed. I quickly lead my horse into the field to get out of the way. The car didn’t make the corner because of the speed and also went into the field, it slid sideways at us, knocking me down and sending me rolling over and over, the horse broke lose and took off running. There must of been angels with me that day as all I received was a broken nose and lots of bruises, my horse just a small cut. Hmm the driver well he was OUI.. My point is even back then folks drove fast on back roads, We horse folks don’t like sharing the roads with cars , we would rather be back in the woods out of danger, but sometimes you have to, to get from point A to point B.
Sending my condolences to all involved.
Why is this article hung up on making the horse out to be prescient? Like it threw its owner because it knew it was going to be hit by a car?
Most of the comments here can also pertain to how people drive by farms. The farm I grew up on has been on that spot of land for many generations of one family. When I was young, we would have to take the cows across the road morning and night. Drivers knew it, and respected it. Some even timed their own travels to not “get caught” behind the herd. Today the animals are pastured long term and no longer cross daily, but sometimes they do get out. And when they do I fear for everyone’s life. Many motorists have NO respect what so ever and many will just drive on by hardly slowing at all. The younger drivers in particular. We will set someone down the road a little to caution people to slow down, and I’ve actually had someone give me the middle finger while trying to warn to slow down. I’m so afraid that one of these idiots are going to come up on a large animal and then swerve at the last minute and hit one of the people who are on the side trying to control the situation. I know of someone who died exactly that way.
The horse didn’t “kick” her off how about he bucked her off. I agree with mainehorserider the majority of motor vehicles do not slow down when they see a person on horseback and this is sometimes the result. So sorry for Jennifer to have lost her horse this way it is very sad glad the others are ok. Slow down be respectful and pay attention people.
Ok horses on truck followed by truck with lights on but still managed to crash and kill the horse?
That means the cops failed to do there job in enforce current laws. I mean Driver was going to fast and not even wide enough. The Driver was not paying attention or just driving careless PERIOD!
How no charges were fail is beyound me when you going at a speed to kill a horse O.o
Oh BTW as I said law here some info for you
Laws specific to Maine are found in Motor Vehicle Rules Title 29-A: MOTOR VEHICLES HEADING, Chapter 19: OPERATION HEADING, Subchapter 1: RULES OF THE ROAD HEADING, # 2055; Animals on a public way. It states that a person riding an animal or driving an animal-drawn vehicle on a public way has all the rights and must obey the laws of a vehicle operator. Thus, horses are considered vehicles in a sense and must ride on the ride side of the road, going with the traffic (if you go against the traffic, you are stepping into the oncoming car‘s lane–not yours), use caution, and employ hand signals when necessary to obey the laws of the road. When a rider has dismounted, he/she is considered a pedestrian and the horse an animal. The law is clear and states two definite actions that are illegal for a motor vehicle operator when approaching a rider. 1) It is illegal for a driver to operate a motor vehicle in a manner to annoy, startle, harass, or frighten an animal being ridden or driven on or near a public way. 2) It is illegal for a driver to throw an object or substance from the vehicle toward an animal being ridden or driven on or near a public way. It further clarifies that when someone riding, driving, or leading an animal that appears to be frightened signals by putting up a hand or other visible sign, a driver approaching from the opposite direction must stop and remain stationary allowing the animal to pass. When traveling in the same direction, the operator must use reasonable caution in passing an animal. If drivers do not adhere to these laws on the roads you ride, you can record their license plate number and report the incident in hope of preventing further frightening experiences.
to the people who have the smart remarks about horses not being on the road i guess the same should be said for anyone walking, jogging biking walking dogs or with children! We are NO dif than any of them!!! And this is the rider & owner of Khaos the surviving horse if you werent there you dont know what happened!!! We were doing nothing wrong! this article has the wrong info. dont worry the truth will come out.
If these people cared more about their animals they wouldn’t have them on the roadway and thus be endagering themselves, the horses, and the motor vehicle operators. Its a big state with plenty of places to ride that don’t have vehicles on them. They also make trailers to get them from point A to point B without putting them in danger. The laws are antiquated at best, and as long as 4 wheelers and snowmobiles, etc aren’t allowed to use the roadways, then neither should horses. At least snowmobiles and wheelers have lights on them and it was dusk according to the article. The vehicle with the 4 ways on didnt get hit because it could be seen.
HEY SLUG
What would your comment be if this were a mother walking her children in a stroller? People don’t slow down for that either..
I have a trailer to get my horse to where I want to go, however its not possible to ride my horse in a trail and have to go down the road to get to the next connecting one, how do you propose I do this? Tie the horse to a tree and walk back and get my trailer?
Dont run your yap unless you know what your talking about, your only showing your ignorance..
The only ignorance is that of the people who chose to put their horses in danger by having them on the road. Read the other article. I am far from the only one who feels this way.