In December 2018, international grand prix dressage rider Melissa Smith suffered a smashed pelvis, broken back and head injury when her mare Lorentina reared and fell on her, on a bridleway in Surrey. The cause of the accident was her mare spooking at dogs who were being walked off of the lead, under the control of a professional dog walker.
Melissa, a trainer, coach and yard owner, underwent multiple operations, spent months in a wheelchair and was told she might not ride again. She is back in the saddle but has been classified as a grade V para rider.
The case concluded this month; His Honour Judge Simpkiss had found that the walker, who had four dogs with her, had been negligent and was liable for Melissa’s injuries.
The case centred on whether the dog walker had been negligent, which the judge found was the case.
In his judgement, Judge Simpkiss said that “with the benefit of hindsight one can easily see that if all four dogs had been on leads this accident would probably not have happened”.
He found that the accident was caused by the mare’s being spooked by the two smaller dogs, who were both “running around”.
Speaking to Horse and Hound, British Horse Society safety team leader Des Payne said it is essential people in charge of dogs have them under “close control” in areas where they might meet horses.
“Not only is this incredibly important to help keep everyone safe but, should anyone get injured, or be in fear of harm/injury (including horse riders) the person in charge of the dog at the time could face prosecution for having it ‘dangerously out of control’,” he said.
“If a dog is deemed ‘dangerously out of control’ it could lead to potential outcomes including destruction of the dog, disqualification from owning dogs, compulsory muzzling, two years’ imprisonment and a £5,000 fine.
“Having ‘close control’ means they can instantly be controlled, no matter the circumstances. We would always strongly advise putting a dog on a lead, even if the dog is used to horses. Our data confirms that loose dogs cause the highest number of deaths and injuries. We can’t forget that the welfare of everyone involved (horse, rider, walker, dogs and innocent bystanders) is at risk should a loose dog frighten a horse.”
Find guidance from the British Horse Society around dog encounters here