Eventer devastated as four horses die in A9 crash
The truck carrying the animals had broken down, before a lorry collided with it on the major road.
A top eventer says he is devastated after watching a lorry plough into their broken down truck, killing four horses.
The incident happened on the A9 yesterday afternoon (Tuesday August 24) as Nick Gauntlett was heading to the Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials at Pitlochry.
The truck broke down 30 minutes from their destinations, leaving the team members to retreat to the road side, only to then watch the crash unfold.
Gauntlett's horse, Party Trick, died alongside three animals belonging to US-born eventer Sophie Hulme.
Police Scotland are currently investigating the crash, and say two people were taken to hospital for treatment.
Mr Gauntlett, is an international eventer and coach.
Writing on Facebook, he said: "My amazing my family are fine and that is definitely the main thing.
"You don't need the details, but we lost all four horses on board. We are obviously all heartbroken.''
Ms Hulme, who was already at Blair Castle, said: "I am so absolutely devastated and at a loss for words.
"Three of my lovely horses my precious babies are gone. Taken far too soon from this world.
"My beautiful Charisma and Feyre are gone and my lovely Fintan as well. I'm so sorry for Nick and Amanda and for their loss. The world can be such a cruel place.
"My world is completely upside down at the moment.
"It's going to be hard for a while and it's going to be tough but the best we can do is soldier on.
In a statement, the Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials said: "Both British Eventing and the organisers of Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials send their heartfelt sympathies to Nick, his wife and children, Sophie Hulme, Nick's team, the owners and the horses' grooms, and all involved with them.
"Eventing is a family and what support we can provide we will. We are grateful that no-one in Nick's lorry was injured in the accident.''
A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Around 2.45pm on August 24, officers were called to a report of a road crash involving two lorries on the A9 at Cairnie Braes, near Perth.
"Police, fire and ambulance attended and two men from one of the lorries were taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
"One of the lorries was carrying four horses. We can confirm that two of the horses died and two had to be euthanised by vets.
"The road was closed until around 9.30pm. Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash remain ongoing.''