M. Smith of Richmond, ME I remember coming back from Popham Beach on Rt 127 in Dresden when from out of no where came a huge mare taller than the roof of our mini van. She haulted right in front of us and thank the makers of anti-lock brakes because we stopped only inches from her broad quarters.

A split second later its filly galloped towards us and struck us broadside knocking off our passenger side mirror and it's head looming in front of our windshield.

moments later came a motley crew of two people in a pickup truck and a third riding in the back with the intent to rope the horses and who obviously were responsible for driving the frightened animals out in front of our vehicle.
Needless to say the crew had been busy throwing back a few beers before they started off after the horses.

In this case as it should be with the Madison police cruiser, the owners of the "livestock" are responsible for any damage their loose animals cause.report abuse

A_Mom of Skowhegan, ME My daughter rides at this stable.
She wasn't there when it happened(obviously) but said there are skid marks and a lot of blood in the road. The fence wasn't broken and no other horses were out (according to my 12 yo daughter ... )
She was also told that both front legs of the horse were broken, the officer couldn't put the horse down (shoot it) because it wasn't police policy. I'm not sure how long the horse laid there before it died.
I am very glad to hear the officer wasn't injured and my heart breaks for the family. They are good people who do a lot to help a lot of children.report abuse

Razorback of Brunswick, ME Clear case of inattention of driver and going too fast for conditions. What the heck was he/she doing on the road anyway? The roads are for bicycles and horses now. Another horsey got hit last week or so!report abuse

Doug of Unity, ME Interesting story...

If any one has hit a deer while driving they do come out of nowhere. Hoerses can be the same if loose.

BTW my wife's horses have been released from our barn several times over the past 10 years. We have complained to the local, state police & State animal welfare = they don;t want to be bothered with the issue. Now our horses are locked up with master locks every night!

The new 2+ year old law in Maine allow a civil suite if an animal causes property damage. ANy horse owner should have suplimental insurance for about $3-4,000 a year that will cover this, but few know about it.

Realy too bad about the horse. The cruser can be fixed.

My 2 cents.report abuse