The owner of a horse that died after being chased by a an out-of-control dog believes greater understanding is needed between the various users of Scotland’s shared woodlands.
Lisa Malone runs the Equus Scotland riding school at Roseisle, which runs excursions for visitors from across the world who are eager to sample the region’s coastline and forests on horseback.
Last year, one of her animals bolted after being spooked by a dog in woods before it was killed after being hit by a car.
Mrs Malone explained that many riders were now taking proactive action in the event of their horses being confronted by dogs.
She said: “It was quite a protracted attack last year.
“The owner tried to restrain the dog a couple of times but it pulled away.
“It actually bit the horse, which reacted by throwing the rider off. It was then chased through the woods by the dog.
“We do our best to make sure the walks through the forest are safe for everyone and it’s a shame when that becomes unsafe simply because people don’t realise how a horse will react.”
Mrs Malone added: “One thing we see often is that walkers will try to hide behind a tree with their dog. That can spook the horse because they’re not sure what’s hiding there.
“A lot more riders are now wearing cameras on their helmets and chests to provide evidence for the police if these incidents do become dangerous.”