Woman thrown from 'spooked' pony near Sumburgh Airport runway crossing after car passes by

A woman was thrown from the pony she was riding near an airport in Shetland after the animal was spooked by a passing car.

The incident occurred on the A970 near to the Sumburgh Airport runway crossing after 2.30pm on Tuesday.

The woman was riding her pony when it is believed the animal was spooked by a passing car, throwing her off.

Officers have urged any witnesses to come forward and reminded drivers to be mindful of horse riders.

PC Ben Staal said “I would appeal to anybody who saw the horse being spooked to get in touch, especially if you have dash cam footage.

“I would also take this opportunity to remind road users to be respectful to all road users, especially horses, as they are more vulnerable.

“Always overtake wide and slow, giving the horse and rider extra room. If you can’t overtake, then follow at a distance until it is safe to overtake slowly.

“If you have any information which may assist my enquiries, please get in touch by calling 101, or online on the Police Scotland Website quoting incident reference 1965 of October 14, 2025.”