Man kicked to death by horse near Edenfield is named (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Man kicked to death by horse near Edenfield is named

11:00am Friday 2nd November 2012 in News By Lisa Woodhouse, Assistant picture editor

A MAN was kicked to death in a trailer by a ‘spooked’ horse in a lay-by.

Peter McGuire, 51, was on his way to a show jumping competition at Rising Bridge when the animal became agitated, police said.

He pulled off the A56 Edenfield Bypass and went into the trailer to calm the horse down.

Police said he was then kicked in the head and died at the scene.

His wife, Marie, tried to help and was attacked by the frightened horse, and suffered a fractured leg and chest injuries.

The couple’s daughter Zoe, who was with them, was shocked but uninjured.

The family were heading for the event at Croft Top Riding Centre.

It is understood Zoe has been involved in show jumping for a number of years.

Vet Nick Johnson, from Stanley House veterinary practice in Colne, was called to sedate the horse.

Mr Johnson, 29, from Barnoldswick, said: “When the paramedics tried to get in to remove the man, the horse became agitated.

“I had to get into the trailer to inject the horse. At that point I had been told that the man had died.

“The fire brigade provided me with protective equipment, including a helmet and padded vest. Two officers attached me to a rope which they could pull me to safety with if there was any danger.

“I was very concerned about how I would respond, but I had a job to do. I had to get the horse sedated.

“When he quietened down, the gentleman was taken out of the box.

“It was harrowing. It’s not something I have ever experienced before. It was a very unpleasant experience. My thoughts are with his family.”

A police spokeswoman said officers had been alerted to the incident just before 6pm on Wednesday.

She said: “The man was found to be unconscious with a serious head injury trapped in the rear of the vehicle together with the horse.

“The horse had become agitated and had dislodged the enclosure in the rear compartment which restricts movement and supports the horse during transportation.

“When the man entered the horse compartment the horse kicked him causing fatal injuries.

“His wife subsequently entered the compartment to attempt to assist her husband but was also repeatedly kicked, causing her to retreat.

“Sadly the man sustained an open fracture to the skull and was pronounced dead at the scene. A family liaison officer is supporting the family.”

Ady Tonge, watchmanager at Ramsbottom Fire Station, said: “We received a message that a man was trapped under his horse on the bypass.

“Paramedics couldn’t get a response from the man and the inside of the horse box had been trashed by the animal.

“His wife was injured at the scene as well.

“Once the vet arrived, they sedated the horse and recovered the man from the vehicle.

“The horse was uninjured, but was trapped inside the box because of the damage it had caused.

An ambulance spokeswoman said: “We got a call that a man had been kicked by a horse. He had sustained head injuries and was unconscious.

“The caller said the horse was getting worse and the patient wasn’t responding.

“We informed the police and they arranged for a vet to attend the scene.”

Mrs McGuire and her daughter were taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment.

The horse, a Welsh Section D bay horse, measuring 15.1 hands and weighing approximately 550 kilos, is believed to be over 10 years old.

Ken Holden, owner of Croft Top Farm, said the family were on their way to the riding centre for a show jumping event.

He said: “They attend the centre quite regularly.

“We were contacted by the emergency services. We were asked if we could accomodate the horse yesterday and we looked after it overnight.

“The horse was sedated quite heavily. It is fine now, but was very distressed earlier in the evening.

“Anything can happen in transit but this is a very rare occurence. It’s not something that happens every day.”

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