Hamilton Select Board clerk Rosie Kennedy was seriously injured after being thrown from her horse, Pops, on an Ipswich trail when a mountain biker startled the animal near railroad tracks. The incident on November 21 left Kennedy with an unstable ankle fracture and ligament tear, while her 8-year-old horse suffered a fatal shoulder fracture and had to be euthanized. Kennedy described the terrifying experience of being dragged by Pops as he fled in panic, emphasizing the fear many equestrians share about trail safety and the need for bikers and pedestrians to prioritize horses.

As Kennedy recovers in the hospital and faces weeks in a wheelchair, she is using her story to educate others on proper trail etiquette, urging bikers to stop, announce themselves, and allow horses to pass safely. The Essex County Trail Association supports this message, highlighting the unpredictability of horses and the importance of communication to prevent accidents. Despite her grief, Kennedy remains determined to continue riding in honor of Pops and to raise awareness about equestrian safety.