Carriage Horse Breaks Loose In Holland – Injures Two People

Two people were injured and a car was damaged after police say a skateboarder spooked a horse in downtown Holland on Thursday night.

"He was kicking his feet up in the air," Jim Smith, who witnessed the incident, told WZZM-13.

Smith also says that 19-year-old driver was desperately trying to stop the horse, but the 8-year-old horse named Bullet broke free anyway.

Witnesses say the horse and carriage had only traveled about a block on 8th Street when something spooked him. Police say a skateboarder had fallen in front of the horse's path and the animal took off.

According to police, the horse headed west on 8th street, then turned south on Central to 10th Street, where it was eventually stopped by officers and bystanders. While running free, the horse damaged a parked car and knocked a 69-year-old woman to the ground. The woman is expected to be fine.

The horse's owner told WZZM 13 that the carriage will need to be repaired and that her horse's spirit will need time to heal.

The driver of the carriage suffered minor injuries, and the passengers, a couple and their three-year-old daughter, were not injured.

Police would like to speak with the skater who fell in front of the horse. He left the scene before officers were able to speak to him. Anyone with information on the case should call Sgt. Jon Boeve by calling 616-355-1737 or sending an email to policetips@cityofholland.com. People can also contact Silent Observer.