A Langford teen and her horse are recovering after a harrowing incident on a Metchosin road
Samantha Sifert and her horse, Aurora, were on their way to Weir Beach via Pearson College Trail last Thursday. They had come to the trail head and were walking along William Head Road, when an older-model white Ford truck with a distinct green stripe on the side went speeding past her. Sifert heard a yell, and an object was thrown out of the window, striking Aurora in the face.
The horse bucked Sifert off, but she held on to the reigns as Aurora ran off. She was dragged along for a while before letting go, and then had to chase after the horse to get her back.
Sifert suffered a concussion and sprained ankle in the fall. Aurora is spooked, has a big gash on her face, and is now afraid of the saddle.
She says the men in the truck were older, one had a mullet, the other was wearing a toque. She didn't recognize them or the truck, but suspects based on the yelling before the incident and the fact that they didn't stop, that they threw the object with the intention of hitting them.
She has a message to other road users: be respectful, and share the road.
"I would just like everyone to be aware, we're aware of them. Bikes or cars, even just walking by a horse, they can strike you, and we don't want anyone getting hurt. So just pass slow and wide, let us know that you're there, and just respect us."
Sifert was riding alone when the incident occurred, and she says from now on, she will be riding with others.
Sifert has opened a file with the West Shore RCMP, and anyone with information on the truck, occupants, or incident, are asked to call the police or CrimeStoppers.