Horse tosses driver, goes on wild ride in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The passengers and driver of a carriage horse that ran amok in downtown Savannah Tuesday are recovering from the ordeal, local CBS affiliate WTOC reports.

Historic Savannah Horse Tours driver Ashley Bignault lost control of her horse on Ellis Square Monday afternoon when the horse lost its bit, police said.

The horse threw Bignault from the carriage, sending the passengers racing down the street and hitting four vehicles before coming to a stop, in an incident caught on tape.

Bystanders eventually stopped the horse and pulled the passengers to safety.

Local shop owner Tammie Davenport said when she saw the horse throw Bignault, she ran up alongside the animal saying, "whoa, whoa, whoa," trying to get it's attention and get it to slow down, WTOC reports.

Davenport said the animal slowed long enough to pull the passengers to safety, then bucked again.

Kathryn Collins, 67, was visiting Savannah from Florida, riding in the carriage with her grandchildren when the driver lost control.

Tuesday, she wanted to thank those who came to her rescue, calling them "the kindest and most supportive people I've ever met."

Collins says the five passengers all sustained cuts and bruises.

Bignault was treated for more serious injuries at a local hospital but returned home Tuesday.