On Wednesday morning, a group of five riders from Lee’s Riding Stables set out for their usual tour across the state forest near Route 118 in Litchfield, Connecticut. Wearing safety vests and helmets, they approached the designated crosswalk that connects the stable to the forest trail.
As the riders were crossing, a car entered the crosswalk and struck one of the horses. The animal was killed instantly. The guide, Chris, managed to jump off the horse at the last second, avoiding personal injury. “Thank you, God, Chris got off the horse,” said Lee Lyons, a representative of Lee’s Riding Stables, adding that the guide seemed unaware of how she escaped the danger.
Heather Johnson, another stable employee, expressed relief that no humans were hurt but mourned the loss of the horse. “I’m thankful no humans are injured, but it does not bring back our horse. That was tragic,” she said.
Rider Shawna Bartkus, who was directly behind the struck horse, recounted the suddenness of the event. “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 she and the other riders shouted, “Stop! Stop!” as the car approached.
Witnesses believe the driver was speeding, and the crash report noted that sun glare may have impaired the driver’s view. Police issued an infraction for failing to yield to the crosswalk. Lyons emphasized the broader impact, noting that all involved have families and lives that are affected by such incidents.
Lee’s Riding Stables is now working with the town of Litchfield and Connecticut State Police to improve the safety of the crossing. Proposed measures include installing flashing lights and lowering the speed limit on the road segment near the stable.
Community response and next steps
Local residents have expressed concern over the safety of the crosswalk, especially given the frequent traffic on Route 118. The stable’s management has pledged to collaborate with municipal officials to ensure that drivers are more aware of the crossing and that appropriate signage or traffic calming devices are installed.
State police have been contacted by NBC Connecticut for an update on the investigation, and the agency is expected to provide further details as the case progresses. In the meantime, the stable continues to operate, offering tours while prioritizing the safety of both riders and the public.
While the loss of the horse is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks inherent in sharing roadways with equine activities, the incident has sparked a constructive dialogue about road safety in Litchfield. The community hopes that the proposed improvements will prevent future tragedies and keep both residents and visitors safe.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
