WHILST riding through Abbeyford Woods, Okehampton, early on bank holiday Monday morning, my horse was bitten in an unprovoked attack by a dog which was within sight of its owner, but off the lead. It was wearing a muzzle but this didn't cover all of its mouth and it was still able to nip my horse in the hind legs and under his belly.

It was a very frightening and upsetting situation to be in, for myself, the horse and the dog owner, who was unable to catch the dog whilst the attack was happening. Luckily, another walker, whom I'd like to thank, came to my aid and caught the dog.

My horse sustained superficial wounds due to the muzzle preventing the dog's mouth from fully opening, but he was in shock and I don't yet know how this incident will affect his previous good behaviour with dogs.

I am a competent rider, but the situation could have been a lot worse if for instance it had been a child riding a smaller pony.

I ride in the wood frequently and most dog owners are considerate and have their dogs under control and easily recalled even if they are not on leads.

There are dog attacks on sheep, people and horses every year, and whilst people don't think that their dog would attack anything, I've been told that it was completely out of character for this dog to behave as it did, indeed it wasn't one of  the typical 'dangerous dog' breeds that so many people think of when dog attacks happen.

This situation could so easily have been prevented if the dog had been on a lead, an extendable lead would allow a dog to exercise safely.

Carolyn Smy

Park Row

Okehampton