Horse, rider killed at Salem Township riding stable

Fire officials responded to a Salem Township stable Saturday afternoon after a horse fell and died, killing the rider.

Bobby Rosatti, fire chief for the Slickville Volunteer Fire Department, said officials responded to Stonehouse Stables along Bash Road shortly after 2 p.m. When they arrived on scene, both the horse and rider were dead.

The rider, a woman who was not immediately identified, was pinned beneath the fallen horse.

Jene Chelens, owner of the horse, Reuben, and the stables, said he was watching the woman ride the horse in an outdoor riding ring located near the back of the property. Chelens had owned the horse for 20 years.

Rosatti added Chelens turned his back for a few minutes and when he came back he found the rider and horse on the ground.

A veterinarian was evaluating the horse around 4 p.m. to determine the cause of death.

“It was a very bizarre accident,” Rosatti said.