Horse 'completely traumatised' by dog attack (From Watford Observer)

Woman and horse attacked while riding near Munden House, Bricket Wood

12:00pm Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News By Adam Binnie, Senior Reporter

A woman who was attacked by a dog while riding her horse in Bricket Wood said she was lucky to escape with just bruises.

Sue Harris was riding along School Lane when she and her horse were "viciously attacked" by a dog at the entrance to Munden House.

Despite calling out for the owner, nobody appeared, and the dog continued the attack as Ms Harris rode half a mile back to Little Munden Stables.

She said: "The horse then completely freaked out, panicked and bolted for home. He steeplechased a grit box and fence in one 15 foot leap, at which point I came off, and he vaulted the five foot gate to get home.

"Fortunately I've come away just with bruising and a stiff neck but it quite easily could have been tragic.

"Having previously been pretty much bomb-proof and very good around dogs, the horse is completely traumatised and is jumping at his own shadow."

Ms Harris said she spoke to another rider at the stables who was also attacked by a similar dog, which had to be dragged off by its owner.

She added: "I was extremely lucky but, assuming the dog is regularly walked on Bricket Wood Common, it is only a matter of time until something more serious happens.

"As you can imagine we are very keen to find the owner of the dog. He or she obviously has no control of the dog and really should keep it on a lead before a tragedy happens. "