Personal Injury Auto Accident/Hit and Run Involving Horse and Rider

On May 31, 2016 at approximately 8:00 pm, the Schodack Police Department responded to the Pine Ridge Farm at 314 Burden Lake Road in the Town of Schodack, Rensselaer County, New York for a report of a hit and run, personal injury auto accident. The incident occurred at approximately 7:15 pm and involved a 26 year old female who was riding her horse named Cali on the westbound shoulder of Burden Lake Road between North Schodack Road and Boyce Road. The rider reported that a light colored silver or gray, older model mini-van (unknown make/model) also traveling westbound being operated by a large build, middle aged, white male, with medium length dirty blonde hair and beard, and a baseball cap, yelled Its illegal to ride a F***ing horse on the road, and then blew the vehicles ho. This action startled the horse and the animal jumped into the road and was struck by the mini-van in the hind quarters causing the horse to fall to the pavement along with the rider. When the horse was getting back up and regaining its footing it kicked the vehicle causing damage to the passenger side, front door. There may also be damage to the front end and hood of the mini-van. The vehicle then fled the scene westbound on Burden Lake Road. The horse sustained injury to its hind quarter and foot and is currently being cared for. The rider reported pain and soreness in her right shoulder and after seeking medical attention was diagnosed with a bruised and swollen collar bone. The Schodack Police Department is continuing to investigate this incident and anyone with information is requested to contact Det/Sgt. Dean Thomas at (518) 477-8077 ext. 108. The name of the victim is being held at this time until the investigation is complete.