Qld: Mounted police told to avoid show crowds

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2004
Qld: Mounted police told to avoid show crowds

BRISBANE, Aug 8 AAP - Mounted police have been told to avoid crowds at the Royal Brisbane
Show after a woman fell when a police horse became spooked at the showgrounds.

The 64-year-old woman received minor injuries when she fell yesterday after the horse
was frightened by the noise of cars and a passing train.

Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said the horse did not make physical contact with
the woman, who was about four metres away.

He said the horse was being ridden in a crowded area of the showground as police searched
for a missing child.

Mr Atkinson said police horses had a good record working in crowded areas.

"However, to minimise even a slim chance of anything similar happening, mounted unit
officers will not ride horses into heavily congested areas at the show unless absolutely
necessary," Mr Atkinson said.

The woman lost consciousness after she fell and was taken to the Royal Brisbane Hospital
for treatment.

Mr Atkinson said senior police had been in contact with the woman's family and would
provide any assistance possible to the woman.

AAP jfs/tma/sd

KEYWORD: FALL DAYLEAD

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