Horse Hit, Killed by Car in Rancho Santa Fe, Rider Injured

The accident happened near a trail on Linea Del Cielo

A horse was killed and its rider was seriously injured Friday when a motorist struck the animal near a trail in Rancho Santa Fe, officials confirmed.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers and crews with the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department were called to Linea Del Cielo near La Floresta at around 9:15 a.m. after an 87-year-old man driving his 2005 Toyota Corolla accidentally hit a 61-year-old woman riding her horse.

The rider and horse were crossing the street from south to north and had made it into the bike lane of the westbound lane when the driver approached the area.

Just then, the driver, for unknown reasons, swerved into the bike lane and crashed into the horse, CHP Officer Jim Bettencourt said.

The horse – an 11-year-old male – died at the scene.

Bettencourt said the rider suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Scripps La Jolla Hospital via ambulance.

The driver of the Corolla was not injured in the collision. CHP said the accident is under investigation, but alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor.

The street where this incident happened is lined with traffic signs that show it is a horse crossing area.

Contact Us