Update: Just released details give clearer picture of what happened to horse on US 278

Nearly 48 hours after a riderless horse bolted from Moss Creek Stables into traffic on a busy stretch of U.S. 278 near the Hilton Head bridges, managers who run the gated community and equestrian center remain silent, offering little explanation aside from two emails to residents assuring little more than all is under control.

Both of the emails to Moss Creek residents and the early reports from law enforcement conveyed that the horse was struck by passing traffic on Wednesday morning, but Nick Pye, spokesperson for the South Carolina Highway Patrol said on Thursday that it was the horse that struck two trucks stopped at a red light near the intersection of U.S. 278 and Buckingham Plantation Drive in Bluffton. This new information paints a clearer picture of what happened Wednesday morning.

As a result of the injuries sustained, the horse was euthanized.

The incident happened shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday.

According to Pye, one truck, a Ford F-150, was hit by the horse’s hind legs. Then, the horse attempted to get on top of another truck, a Chevrolet S-10. The windshield of the Chevy shattered from the horse’s weight.

A local veterinarian was called to the scene to assist. Neither of the drivers was injured.

According to Moss Creek’s governing documents posted on the gated community’s website, Moss Creek Owner’s Association owns the horse barn and fenced paddocks, but the facilities are managed by an outside contractor, offering stabling services and riding lessons.

Repeated calls to the equestrian center and the community’s general manager for further information about the name and breed of the horse, the circumstances that led to the horse running onto the highway and the name of the horse’s owner have not been returned.

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