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A DRIVING pony had to be cut free by fire crews yesterday (11 August), after becoming stuck on railings at a busy road junction.
Appaloosa gelding Bailey was being driven along Broadstone Way near Wessex Gate Retail Park in Poole, Dorset, when he spooked and bolted.
The pony, who was being driven by his 64-year-old owner Nigel Trotter, is thought to have tried to jump the railings but became straddled on top.
Mr Trotter was thrown from the trap, sustaining multiple injuries including a broken shoulder, 12 broken ribs, a punctured lung and a ruptured spleen.
He was taken by ambulance to Poole hospital where he is currently in critical care.
“The pony is very used to traffic and is taken out to drive most days,” said Mr Trotter’s granddaughter Lisa, whose grandfather has driven since he was five years old.
“There were quite a few witnesses and we think it was a lorry’s brakes that spooked him.”
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She added that Bailey was fine and is currently being looked after by a friend of the family.
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Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the incident at 2.43pm and dispatched a local fire crew as well as two vehicles from Poole’s technical rescue station, which specialises in animal rescues.
The road was temporarily closed while hydraulic cutting equipment was used to free the pony, who was released by 3.25pm.
He was checked over by a vet at the scene and found to have sustained scrapes but had no major injuries.
A spokesman for Dorset Police said witness statements were taken at the scene but no other vehicle was thought to be involved.
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