Horse injury prompts call for a speed limit

From the archive, first published Friday 13th Apr 2007.

A TEENAGED rider is calling for the speed limit to be lowered on a quiet country lane, after her horse was involved in an accident.

Rhianna Palmer, 16, was riding Archie in Lake Hill Road, just outside Canewdon, when they were in a collision with a blue Citroen Xantia driven by a Rochford man.

Rhianna suffered cuts and bruises and the horse had to be treated by a vet for scrapes and a hole in his hind-quarters.

The driver, who was not hurt, was not breaking the 60mph speed limit on Lake Hill Road. But Rhianna and mum, Vanessa Palmer say it's now time the limit on the road was reduced to 40mph.

Rhianna, of Pudsey Hall Lane, Canewdon, says a lot of accidents have happening on that stretch of road in recent times.

She added: "It should be 40mph. It's a quiet country lane and a lot of people ride their horses here.

"I was on my way home. Archie hit the car's windscreen and we both ended up in a ditch. I was really upset."

Mrs Palmer added: "She was lucky she was on such a large horse. Otherwise, I think both could have been seriously injured.

"Drivers should be aware it's a country road. There are plenty of horses around."

The Palmers are planning to campaign for a lower speed limit on the road.

After the accident, police talked to the driver but say decided no action will be taken against him.