A horse struck by a vehicle awaits the arrival of its owner

A driver on Highway 52 just east of Steinbach had a narrow escape after colliding with a horse just after 5:00 a.m. this morning.

Steinbach R.C.M.P. say a group of horses were on the loose and, while crossing the highway, one of the trio was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

Constable Mike Turner says it was a good thing the accident happened in the light of morning, and not in the dead of night.

"At the time when he hit it, I guess the sun was just coming up behind him so, it would have been...the horse is kind of a darkish color so, it would have been a little bit difficult to see but, lucky enough the driver saw it in time and didn't hit it full-on front."

Turner says the damage to the vehicle was extensive, but the driver was unhurt.

"No injuries to the person, just damage to the vehicle.  The vehicle will be repairable, it's just that it wasn't drive-able at that time."

Police had to go door-to-door to find the owner of the horses, who was eventually located and arrived on scene.

R.C.M.P. continue to investigate and Turner says there could be fines for the horses running loose.

"It's something we'll look into and speak with the owner about, for sure."