Horse Euthanized After Plunging 50-Feet Down Embankment With Rider At East Bay Park

LAFAYETTE (CBS SF) -- A horse was euthanized after it and the rider plunged down an embankment at an East Bay park Tuesday, resulting in the horse getting stuck in a tree.

A veterinarian on the scene along with the horse's owner agreed to euthanize the horse, which may have suffered a broken leg.  The woman riding the horse was upset, but not physically harmed.

Spokeswoman Carolyn Jones said around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday a horse fell about 50 feet (earlier reported to have been 30 feet) down an embankment at the eastern edge of Briones Regional Park near Lafayette.

The horse landed in a tree below the narrow trail, which led to a steep-wooded area of dense vegetation. "Fire crews, Contra Costa County Rescue crews and a veterinarian are at the scene to try to rescue the horse," said Jones.

Images from Chopper 5 showed the white horse on the ground and moving slightly.

Fire Marshall Robert Marshal said it was unclear how the horse's remains would be handled, but it would likely be the responsibility of the East Bay Regional Parks to bury it.

It wasn't known if the horse and rider were familiar or experienced with the area. Jones said a helicopter may be brought in to assist with the rescue effort.