ATV Rider Killed in Collision With Horse

An ATV rider ran into a horse on a Menifee trail, leaving both fatally injured, authorities said today.

The mishap happened about 10:45 p.m. Monday in a field west of Briggs Road and just north of Mapes Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officer Travis Monks said 27-year-old Javier Gonzalez of Menifee was riding his steed north through the field when a 26-year-old man approached from behind on a 2013 Suzuki Quad.

“For reasons still under investigation, the (Quad) rider allowed his vehicle to collide with the rear of the horse,” Monks said. “Both riders were ejected, and the horse sustained major injuries.”

He said the ATV rider was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics a short time later.

The horseman walked away with minor injuries. After consulting with an animal control officer about the condition of his horse, he agreed to let the official euthanize the equine, according to Monks.

However, attempts to perform the procedure failed, prompting a CHP officer at the scene to volunteer to put down the injured creature, Monks said.

He said about 1:25 a.m. today, the officer shot the horse one time with his .40-caliber sidearm, killing it instantly.

The collision remains under investigation.

--City News Service