A guest at the Texas State Fair was hospitalized on October 8 after a police horse became frightened, bucked its rider, and struck the visitor, according to officials.
A Dallas Police Department mounted officer was patrolling the plaza where Big Tex stands on Tuesday afternoon when the horse panicked, according to WFAA-TV.
The officer attempted to control the horse but was flung to the ground in the collision.
A State Fair of Texas official told KXAS-TV that the officer was being assessed by doctors, while the injured fairgoer was taken to the hospital.
Police told KTVT-TV that the injured victim is a 17-year-old kid. Officials have not revealed the extent of the teen’s injuries.
Videos on social media showed medics ministering to the youngster, who was resting on the ground.
The horse was returned to the barn.
“The safety of everyone at the State Fair of Texas is our number one priority,” a fair official told KTVT. “We are deeply saddened that a fairgoer and officer were injured and hope they make a full recovery soon.”
