A mother has shared her terror after her 13-year-old daughter was kicked in the head by a horse purchased via Facebook, which was marketed as a teenager’s dream. According to the accounts gathered, the animal bucked and bolted during a riding lesson in south Wales before striking the child, leaving her with a concussion and requiring a two-week recovery at home.
The Incident in South Wales
The dangerous encounter occurred during a riding lesson at a riding arena in south Wales, according to Fiona, whose name has been altered to protect her daughter’s identity. Six weeks prior to the accident, Fiona had bought the horse through Facebook based on claims that it was a teenager’s dream. Instead, the animal bucked and bolted with the girl partially on its back before delivering a direct kick to her head.
“For a moment, I thought she was dead,” Fiona said. “I thought she had broken her neck.” The teenager was rushed to a hospital via ambulance following the strike, and a visible hoofmark remained on the side of her protective helmet. “I was thinking, ‘oh my gosh she’s going to be paralysed.’ It was just awful,” Fiona added.
Wider Allegations Against Horse Seller Tasha Lee Hopkins
Fiona is not alone in her experience. She is one of five women who have told reporters that they were mis-sold horses by horse seller Tasha Lee Hopkins. According to these accounts, the animals were either unsafe to ride or suffered from life-limiting conditions. Fiona later discovered that the horse she purchased had never received sufficient training for riding. “I trusted Tasha. I believed what she said and she sold us a horse that wasn’t fit for purpose, it wasn’t fit for a child to be riding,” Fiona stated. Tasha Lee Hopkins has been contacted for comment regarding the allegations.
Did You Know? The horse involved in the incident in south Wales was purchased through Facebook just six weeks before it bucked, bolted, and kicked the 13-year-old girl in the head during a riding lesson.
Potential Outcomes and Next Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Fiona acquire the horse?
Fiona bought the horse via Facebook six weeks before the incident, where it was advertised as a teenager’s dream.
What injuries did the teenager sustain?
The 13-year-old girl suffered a concussion after being kicked in the head by the horse, resulting in a hospital trip by ambulance and about two weeks of recovery at home.
How many women have raised concerns about the seller?
Five women in total have stated they were mis-sold horses that were either unsafe or had life-limiting conditions by horse seller Tasha Lee Hopkins.
Have you or someone you know ever experienced issues with livestock or animal purchases made through social media platforms?
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