Our family said good-bye to a member of our family yesterday. After coming back from a horse ride in the bush, I was riding the 200 metres of road between the bush and my driveway when my horse spooked at a loud truck approaching from behind.
I urged my horse toward our yard, and once the truck was in front of us, the driver stepped on the gas, accelerating quickly.
Unfortunately, our dog was 20 metres ahead of us, and in front of the vehicle; I saw the back wheel run him over, and he died minutes later in the arms of my husband and our 16 year-old son.
This letter is a reminder to all drivers to please slow down when driving, particularly in rural areas. If you see a horse on the road and you don't know what to do, just stop the vehicle and let the rider move ahead or away.
When you move your vehicle past the horse, please do not accelerate immediately - to do so is very dangerous to the horse, rider, and anything else in close proximity.
And please remember - most people who ride in the bush do so with a canine companion for safety, so chances are, there are dogs with the rider.
Nikki Leete
Prince George
