Driver 'shaking and in shock' after New Forest pony death

His car was badly damaged by a free-roaming pony that may have been startled by an emergency service vehicle that was coming the other way.

The animal was seriously injured in the incident and had to be put down by one of the agisters.

It is being held up as an example of how anyone can be involved in an animal accident, regardless of how well they are driving.

Dozens of free-roaming animals are killed or injured on New Forest roads every year (Image: New Forest Roads Awareness)

Posting on social media, Gilly Jones of New Forest Roads Awareness, said the accident happened on the B3054 Lymington to Dibden road at around 7.15am on Monday, December 11.

READ MORE: Ponies hit by vehicles 'left to suffer in agony' by hit-and-run drivers

Ms Jones said: "We always say accidents can happen and this was a true case of wrong place, wrong time.

"The young gentleman had just come over from the Isle of Wight and was driving on roads he did not know.

"He slowed down for an emergency vehicle coming the other way. The next thing he knew his windscreen exploded and he was covered in glass.

Most of the animal accidents in the New Forest occur on unlit, unfenced roads, often in darkness or failing light (Image: Newsquest)

"Whether the pony was startled by the blue lights and sirens, no one can answer.

"But one thing I know from talking to him and his father is that he is never, ever going to be able to forget what happened.

"Five hours after the RTA the driver was still on scene, waiting for his car to be recovered. He was still shaking and in shock. He just kept repeating that he wanted to say sorry to the owner of the pony.

"The thing he says he will never be able to forget is hearing the shot as the animal was dispatched."

Ms Jones said it was one of two animal deaths that occurred on the B3054 within 48 hours.

READ MORE: New Forest garages urged to help trace drivers who fail to report animal accidents

One of the people who commented on her post said: "We came by just as the agister was about to load the pony up.

"A white pony was standing watching and became distressed - absolutely heartbreaking to see. A very sad outcome for the pony, her pony buddy, and the driver."

Another added: "Poor guy. Sounds like there was absolutely nothing he could have done."

The other accident that occurred on the B3054 involved a mare that was killed at Hilltop, near Beaulieu on Saturday, December 9.

A pony was involved in a collision on the B3055 Latchmoor to Marlpit Oak road but was not injured.