PHOENIX — A horse had to be euthanized after it was hit by a vehicle while being ridden by a woman in Laveen Village, according to authorities.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the area of 35th Avenue and Dobson Road regarding a vehicle and horse crash on Saturday night.

When deputies got to the scene, they found a horse that was severely injured next to the road and an Audi A4 driven by Nathaniel Hauck.

Hauck told deputies he was driving at about 35 mph and only saw the horse when he was about 20 feet away from the animal. Hauck said he attempted to break, but still hit the horse.

Deputies said Hauck was not injured, did not show any signs of impairment, and declined medical attention.

The horse's rider, Ireya Thomas, told deputies she was riding in the roadway

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