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Horse rider's near-fatal fall sparks dog owner plea
17 Oct
Summary
- Rider suffered severe injuries after horse bolted due to dog.
- Horse rider is organizing a 60-mile walk for charity.
- Victim states the incident was life-changing and psychological.
A horse rider is advocating for greater responsibility from dog owners following a terrifying incident in the New Forest in October 2025. Marie Vickers, 46, sustained severe injuries when her horse, startled by an uncontrolled dog, bolted into the woods. This resulted in a high-speed fall, emergency surgery, and six days in intensive care.
A year after the event, Vickers, an experienced rider of 40 years, is undertaking a two-day, 60-mile walk. This initiative aims to foster awareness and consideration among dog owners in shared forest spaces.
Vickers described the experience as life-changing, noting the profound psychological impact on both herself and her horse, Jimmy. It took six months for her to ride again, and Jimmy remains traumatized by events behind him, impacting his ability to be groomed or tacked up.
As a New Forest commoner, Vickers is aware this is not an isolated issue and has organized the 'Walk for Horses' event. The walk will also support the Injured Riders Fund charity and aims to promote coexistence among horses, dogs, cyclists, runners, walkers, and families in the forest. This event follows the recent death of a New Forest pony due to an apparently loose, uncontrolled dog.
