Three escape injury after horse wrecks car at hunt meet
Three people were lucky to escape unharmed after a horse kicked it's hooves through a car windscreen at the annual Boxing Day drag hunt meet in Battle.
The animal was believed to have been 'nudged' by a horse and cart and jumped up onto the silver Renault, smashing the windscreen before rolling over the roof of the vehicle in front of horrified onlookers.
The horse rider and the two people in the car were not injured but an ambulance was called and all were treated at the scene for shock.
It's believed the horse sustained a cut leg in the incident.
Up to 25 horses and their riders attended the event, and the event always attracts scores of spectators to the Abbey Green.
One man, who was in the crowd for the event, organised by East Sussex and Romney Marsh hunt, said: "It sounded like a bomb going off, it was such a loud noise when this horse hit the car."
He added: "It's never happened before.
"It's shocking because you are always concerned for the horse and you do not like to see any animal get hurt.
"I'm surprised there wasn't more damage done.
"The horse got back up and just cut it's leg and it's lucky the horse did not have more injuries to it."
Meanwhile, police have branded the Boxing Day meet as 'chaotic' and accused some riders of ignoring traffic regulations.
Several riders ignored 'one way' signs and animals were allowed to block the High Street.
A pensioner had to be pulled out of the way of an oncoming horse after a rider ignored the man as he used the zebra crossing.
The man was shaken, but uninjured.
Meanwhile another horse blocked the same zebra crossing after it's owner left the animal tied up outside the 1066 pub as he called in for a drink.
Sgt Chris Russell said: "I have got no issues against the event itself, but they have got to take some responsibility as they are using a public road and have to abide by the same rules as everyone else.
"Some of them acted irresponsibly and did not have due consideration for other people and vehicles using the High Street."
Police did not hand out any cautions or make any arrests.
Sgt Russell said no action would be taken against the driver of the horse and cart which caused the horse to bolt.
He said: "It's one of those things unfortunately, when you have a large animal on the road."
Police believe an increase in numbers may have contributed to the problems at this year's event.
Sgt Russell said: "I have made a recommendation that we need better planning for next year because it cannot happen again.
"Some sort of planning needs to be put in place and one thing that could be considered is short term road closure."
He added: "If there had been more organisation and planning towards it all, these problems could be avoided with a bit more consideration and common sense."
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Weather for St Leonards-on-Sea
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
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