A woman has described how she was left with “horrific injuries” after a car crash which injuring her horse so badly it had to be euthanised at the scene to prevent further suffering.
Debbie Taylorson of Aycliffe Village, County Durham, spoke as she continues to get treatment for the injuries she suffered in the crash several weeks ago, near the Foresters Arms in Coatham Mundeville.
Police were called to the scene at about 11am on Sunday, January 15, after reports of a collision between two cars, a horse and rider.
After colliding with Mrs Taylorson and her horse, Jay, the car crashed into another vehicle.
The road was closed in both directions between J59 A1(M) and the White Horse junction for several houses while police dealt with the incident.
Read more: Horse put down and rider taken to hospital after crash with two cars near Darlington
Mrs Taylorson said there was nothing unusual about her outing with Jay that day, and emphasised that she was a sensible and experienced rider.
She said: “It happened so fast I didn’t have time to think. If I’d been on foot, I wouldn’t have stood a chance.
“My whole world’s been turned upside down.
“I haven’t even been able to process the loss of Jay yet, because I know I have to heal my body first.”
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Members of the public came to Mrs Taylorson’s aid and an ambulance was called, while Jay fought for her life.
The 54-year-old was taken to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough, where she was treated for injuries to her leg, including a ruptured femoral artery and injuries to her foot. She also suffered broken ribs, sternum, and scapula, as well as a punctured lung.
Mrs Taylorson added: “I can’t thank the people who helped me at the junction enough. They were amazing and stopped traffic and called an ambulance.
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“The staff on Ward 36 at the James Cook were amazing and I just can’t thank them enough, they were fantastic from start to finish.
“I had such a close relationship with Jay, she was my soulmate and I’d hoped that when her time came, she would’ve passed away peacefully, not taken before time like that.
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“Since I put a post on Facebook about the incident, I’ve been overwhelmed by the love and support from people. That and my dogs are what’s keeping me going right now.”
Six weeks on from the incident, Mrs Taylorson is receiving ongoing treatment from the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.
Durham Police confirmed an investigation is ongoing.
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