Lee’s Riding Stables, a popular tourist attraction in the heart of Litchfield, is grieving the loss of one of its horses after a vehicle struck the animal at the Route 118 crosswalk on Wednesday morning.
What happened
Five riders, all wearing safety vests and helmets, set out from the stable for their usual ride to the state forest across the street. The group used the designated crosswalk, a routine they repeat up to six times a day. As they entered the crosswalk, a car failed to yield and collided with one of the horses, killing the animal instantly. The guide on the horse, named Chris, managed to jump off at the last second, avoiding personal injury.
Reactions from staff and riders
“It was the last thing I’d ever want to see in my life,” said Heather Johnson, a longtime employee of Lee’s Riding Stables. “I’m thankful no humans were injured, but it does not bring back our horse. That was tragic.” Lee Lyons, another staff member, added, “Thank God Chris got off the horse. She doesn’t know how she got off. We talked about it. She has no idea how she had the foresight to get off.”
Rider Shawna Bartkus, who was directly behind the struck horse, described the moment as sudden and terrifying. “You can smell the rubber on the road. His car jerked. I didn’t know if he was going to hit her, me, or both of us,” she recalled, adding that the group shouted, “Stop! Stop!” Bartkus praised the guide who tended to the injured horse, saying, “I give her so much credit. She held the horse’s head.”
Police report and driver infraction
Witnesses believe the driver was speeding, and the crash report notes that sun glare may have impaired the driver’s view. Connecticut State Police issued an infraction for failing to yield to the crosswalk. No criminal charges have been reported at this time.
Community response and safety measures
Lyons emphasized the broader impact, noting that many families rely on the stable for recreation and that safety on the road is a shared responsibility. “All those people have families. They have lives,” she said, urging drivers to exercise greater care.
The stable is now collaborating with the town of Litchfield and state officials to explore additional safety enhancements, such as flashing crosswalk lights and a reduced speed limit on Route 118. NBC Connecticut has reached out to state police for further details on the investigation, and the stable remains hopeful for a swift resolution.
Looking ahead
While the loss of the horse is a painful reminder of the risks inherent in shared roadways, the community’s response underscores a commitment to protecting both riders and drivers. Lee’s Riding Stables plans to continue its tours once safety improvements are in place, ensuring that the cherished tradition of horseback rides through the Connecticut countryside endures for future generations.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
