Local rider’s accident is a serious reminder of horse crossing etiquette

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – The recent tragic accidental death of a horseback rider in our area has raised questions about the rules of conduct when driving in the presence of horses.

On July 7, 2024, a rider named Robin Massey died in a horrific accident in Glen White, West Virginia. Massey was hit by a truck while riding her horse.

Eric Sherburne, a friend of the Massey family, said: “She wasn’t driving on the road. She was crossing the road. When you cross from Church Street onto West Virginia Route 54, there’s a wide shoulder on that side, so you cross the road there. Plus, you have a good view there. She was always watching her friends when they were driving. So she was in the front making sure everyone got across safely, and then an accident happened.”

Eric Sherburne told 59News that the area she passed through was less than 1,000 feet from her home. Sherburne said Massey was out with five of her friends that day when it all happened.

This incident remains under investigation by the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office.

A rule that applies in many places to prevent such accidents is the right of way for horses and riders.

Horses can weigh 1,000 pounds or more as adults, meaning these animals have a lot of weight and power.

Sherburne explained that frightening a horse by driving too close to it with a vehicle can therefore be dangerous and the consequences unpredictable.

“Their first instinct is to either run or fight when they’re scared or something scares them, and in most cases their reaction is to run,” Sherburne said. “If you’re riding next to the road or trying to cross the road and your horse is misbehaving, get up and lead him across. If someone doesn’t slow down and your horse turns and jumps into traffic, that’s just a bad situation on all three counts.”

Additionally, riders should wear some sort of luminous or reflective gear when riding at night so people know they are there. Riders can also place lights around their horses to ensure they are as visible as possible.

Massey’s family is also establishing the Ride for Robin Foundation in honor of her humanitarian and nature efforts during her life and hopes to continue her work through her passion for caring for animals.