Startled Horse Flips Rider, Kills Dog In Long Valley: Cops

LONG VALLEY, N.J. – A startled horse flipped its rider and subsequently stepped on and killed a small dog Monday afternoon in Long Valley, Morris County Park Police said.

Two horseback riders on the Columbia Trail were in the area between Middle Valley Road and the County Line when the encountered a woman with two small dogs, both on leashes, Officer Chris Cole said.

The dogs began barking when they saw the horses, and one broke free from its leash, Cole said.

The dog ran toward the horses and startled one enough that it flipped its rider, who fell to the ground and hit her head, causing her to become unconscious for about 30 seconds, Cole said.

While the horse handler was trying to calm the equines, the startled animal subsequently stepped on the small dog, causing it severe injuries. The owner grabbed the dog, which succumbed to its injuries and died a few minutes later, Cole said.

The woman regained consciousness but was taken by helicopter to Morristown Medical Center. She suffered non-life threatening injuries.