A mother from Cornwall has expressed her anger and heartbreak after a hit-and-run driver struck her daughter’s pony, leading to its death.
Polly Smith, 39, described the harrowing moment as “every mother’s worst nightmare,” as she heard her daughter’s desperate scream after a hit-and-run collision involving their horse, Ora.
The driver, Chris Rogers, 61, was later found to have been banned from driving and uninsured, and after hitting the pony, he fled the scene, leaving a family devastated.
The Tragic Incident That Shook a Family
It all began as a normal day on January 12, 2025, when Polly’s 13-year-old daughter, Ellie, led their pony Ora along the road with their 8-year-old neighbor, Grace, riding the horse.
In a sudden moment of terror, Polly heard her daughter scream and rushed to the scene to find a horrifying sight.
“I raced around the corner and I just saw Ora’s leg hanging off and a van driving off down the road,” Polly recalled, still shaken by the memory.
Despite the horrific sight, Polly tried to comfort her daughter as best as she could, but the situation felt beyond her control.
“I didn’t know what to do, I’d never seen anything like it,” Polly said.
The vet arrived after what felt like an eternity, but it was clear that Ora could not be saved.
Tragically, the 17-year-old British Riding Pony had to be put down at the scene.
The Pain of Losing a Beloved Animal and Its Impact on the Family
For Polly, the devastation of losing Ora was compounded by the realization that the pony had likely saved her daughter and Grace from further harm. “I feel guilty saying it but she saved their lives by giving hers,” Polly shared. When the van struck Ora, the impact caused the young rider to be thrown off, sparing her from even more serious injury.
While Grace was rushed to the hospital by air ambulance and later discharged with cuts and bruises, the emotional toll on Ellie was immeasurable.
Ora had been part of their family for years, and the bond between the pony and Ellie was especially strong.
“Ellie was just crying and cuddling her,” Polly said, her voice breaking.
“She was her best friend and she just misses her so much.”
The Aftermath and Legal Action Against the Hit-and-Run Driver
Following the incident, the police launched a manhunt for Rogers after locals reported seeing suspicious damage to his van, which was later found hidden in a nearby barn.
At a court hearing earlier this month, Rogers pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, while disqualified and without insurance.
His solicitor claimed that Rogers was a “horse lover” and that he understood the loss the family was experiencing, though this did little to ease Polly’s anger.
Polly chose not to attend the court hearing when Rogers pleaded guilty, as she couldn’t bear to face him.
However, she plans to be present at his sentencing, where she believes he should face a prison sentence for his actions.
“He is just a coward who was only thinking about himself because he knows he shouldn’t have been driving,” she said, expressing her anger at the driver’s selfishness and disregard for others.
Grief Stricken and Determined for Justice
In addition to losing Ora, Polly’s other horse, Bruce, has also been deeply affected by the loss of his companion.
“Bruce has been left bereft,” she said, noting how the bond between the horses was just as strong as the one between her daughter and Ora.
As for her daughter, Ellie has struggled with the grief of losing her lifelong friend.
“She has kept her shoes and bridle in a shrine in her bedroom with some photos and a candle,” Polly shared, showing just how much the loss has affected their family.
Polly’s hope is that justice will be served at Rogers’ sentencing.
“What he did could have been so much worse,” she said. “I am angry because he has taken years of rides and love away from her.”
As the case continues, the Smith family faces the difficult task of healing from a tragic event that has left them heartbroken and searching for closure.