BRADENTON, Fla. — One horse was killed and seven others were injured after a horseback riding center in Manatee County said a "devastating accident" caused its truck and trailer to flip over.
Florida Beach Horses, a Bradenton-based company, said two people who were transporting the horse trailer also sustained serious injuries, with one requiring surgery and a long road to recovery.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash, which involved an SUV and a GMC pickup truck, happened around midnight Friday on SR 70 in Myakka City.
The riding center said the trailer was T-boned before it turned over, killing a beloved horse named "Hoss."
In a Facebook post on Saturday, the center said one of the injured horses, "Sparkles," is undergoing surgery after both sides of her head were fractured and busted through her nasal passage. She also sustained two major injuries in her back legs.
The company started a GoFundMe to help cover several expenses, including ongoing veterinary care for the horses, burial costs for Hoss, as well as medical bills and rehabilitation for all victims.
"The emotional and financial toll of this tragedy is overwhelming," the GoFundMe page reads. "Any amount you can give will make a tremendous difference in helping these individuals and animals heal from this heartbreaking tragedy."
FHP said an investigation into the crash is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back for the latest updates.