Horse fatally struck by vehicle in 4×4 Corolla

By Submitted Story on August 11, 2025

Corolla Wild Horse file photo of 10-year-old stallion Francisco.

(Corolla Wild Horse Fund)

At approximately 5am on Monday, Aug. 11 a driver called 911 to report having struck a horse in the 2000 block of Sandpiper Road in the 4×4 area of Corolla. At this time, we do not have any additional details about the nature of the collision or the driver, as that falls under the jurisdiction of the sheriff’s department.

The horse who was struck was 10-year-old stallion Francisco. He was an otherwise healthy, young stallion with a harem of four mares, a yearling colt, and a four-month-old colt (the colts’ parentage have not been verified by DNA so it is currently unknown if Francisco was sire to either of them). After examining the body, our veterinarian determined that Francisco sustained the following fatal injuries: complete fracture of the radius and ulna, ruptured eye with periocular fractures, fractured ribs with subcutaneous emphysema, and likely ruptured diaphragm with pneumoabdomen.

Our staff has observed the rest of the horses in the harem behaving normally and we have no reason to be concerned for their safety or well-being at this time.

Please drive carefully and be aware of your surroundings at all times. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of obeying all traffic regulations on the 4-wheel drive. These tragic incidents can be avoided through vigilance and personal responsibility.

To learn more about Corolla Wild Horse Fund or to support them visit www.corollawildhorses.com and follow them on Facebook.