Saboteur trampled by huntsman's horse during protest

Police have launched an investigation after shocking footage emerged showing a saboteur being flattened when she was trampled by a horse during a hunt.

The female activist narrowly avoided serious injury after she was struck by the steed as a huntsman jumped over a metal fence in a farmer's field on Saturday (11 February).

The woman had been monitoring the Cottesmore Hunt in Whissendine, in Rutland, when the incident happened at around 1.45pm.

The huntsman can be seen approaching the padlocked gate on horseback and asking the hunt saboteur to move out of the way.

He tells her: “Please come out of the way so we can jump it. I am going to jump it. You’ll have to come out the way.”

But when the hunt saboteur doesn’t move, the horse proceeds to jump the fence and collides heavily with the woman causing her to fall to the ground.

About The Independent:
Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded.

Connect with The Independent:

[RobertoSiffredi-xync]

No horse or dog was injured in this video.

[harrietking]

The loyalty of that horse to its riders command - wow.

[liamc]

To be fair he asked very politely first

[WolfspaineN]

These people stand directly in front of cars and horses, and are then surprised and act like the victim every time they get the consequences of their stupidity.

[cameltanker]

Grandpa always said, "Stupid is supposed to hurt!"

[FloridaJack]

A man that does what he says he is going to do.

[userer]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty "Hi 'o Silver" ...

[scottmichael]

I too share everyone's concern for the horse but I've ridden for years and the horse landed strong with no signs of favoring that leg. The horse is probably fine.

[dmystify]

can we All just take a moment to appreciate that the gate stayed perfectly still.

[Astroponicist]

Don't try to block a 1500 lb horse in mid jump, unless you want a Darwin Award.

[buffewo]

I'm horrified...
Just how long will it take to scrub the sent of entitled stupidity of that poor horses hooves? Poor horse.

[SachaKDrums]

Never mistake politeness for weakness.

[willcall]

Reminds me of the reporter that went into the farmers field. A sign stating people should not enter yet the reporter did and was warned by the farmer. The reporter said as a press agent they were allowed anywhere. The farmer agreed and walked off. The reporter was last seen running from a charging bull.

[--_DJ_--]

I'd suggest not turning your back to a person who said they are going to jump where you are. But turning your back and walking directly into the path of the jumping horse also works.

[Cabinet]

They have the situational awareness of a rock

[possumpopper]

Life is tough. It’s even tougher when you are stupid.

[janofb]

I don't find it disturbing. I find it amusing. Especially how some morons put themselves in harms way, then complain they're the victim when they're harmed.

[garyowen]

Oh my heavens! I certainly hope the horse was not injured in any way.

[jeremydyke]

It's like standing in front of a speeding car, expecting it to stop!

[goddammitboi]

Basically standing in the middle of a road and wondering why you got hit.