Man killed in horsebox by his daughter’s horse
A father was kicked to death by his daughter’s horse as they travelled to a showjumping session, an inquest has heard.
Peter McGuire, 51, of Aylesbury Grove, Middleton, Lancs, was driving “Hedgehog” to training at Croft Top Equestrian Centre on 31 October 2012 when the incident happened.
Burnley Coroner’s Court heard yesterday (22 January) that Mr McGuire stopped in a layby to check the gelding and it “freaked out” in the trailer.
His wife Marie told the inquest that the partition had become dislodged and when Mr McGuire approached the 10-year-old horse it broke free and kicked out with both back legs.
He appeared to have broken his leg and Mrs McGuire tried to pull her husband out of the box, but was unable to do so.
She was also kicked in the leg and chest— fracturing her leg — and had to get out of the box for her own safety.
Mrs McGuire heard her husband telling the horse to calm down, then two loud noises and silence.
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A vet, firefighters, police and paramedics were called to the scene and Hedgehog had to be sedated before Mr McGuire, who was trapped in the box, could receive treatment.
He died of head injuries at the scene.
Mrs McGuire said her husband was member of Bolton and District Riding Club and was experienced in dealing with horses.
There had been no other problems with Hedgehog’s temperament since they had bought him earlier in the year, she added.
East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor recorded a verdict of accidental death.
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A self-confessed newshound, farmer’s daughter and journalist of many years' experience, Charlotte worked on regional papers before joining H&H in 2007. A regular rider, she visited Ireland in 2010 to investigate the fate of Irish horses through the recession, to much acclaim, and reported from the FEI General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro in 2011. She left Horse & Hound in March 2013.