Horses are a common hazard on all our country roads and need special attention.

I quite agree, Liz. The horse in question had been tied to a fence and allowed to graze on the grass verge. Its tether wasn't short enough to prevent it from encroaching onto the road, whereupon it was struck by the van.

One wonders what the owner was doing at the time - sleeping perhaps?

As you say, the A65 is some way from Appleby. Unfortunately this meant that drivers were less likely to be expecting to encounter horses in the middle of the road - especially at 4am.

I have witnessed animal deaths which happen in the name of so-called 'sport'. I condemn every one of them.

However, I have never seen a horse drown due the pathetic macho posturing of some irresponsible dickhead.