A SCHOOLGIRL riding through a scenic wood was left terrified after a snarling dog chased her then ripped a chunk out of her beloved horse’s leg.

Megan Brooks, 13, was on the trotting track at Belfairs Wood, Leigh, with her horse, Midnight, when the lurcher- type dog darted from the trees.

The canine chased after them before tearing at Midnight’s leg, leaving the 12-year-old horse in agony.

Megan’s mum Zoe, 32, said: “It was horrendous.

“Midnight was badly injured, and Megan was left terrified. She hasn’t even been able to go to school, she’s been too upset.

“Midnight has had to undergo extensive treatment to her right leg, which has cost almost £1,000.

“She was in so much pain and was also in shock.”

Zoe of High Street, Hadleigh, says the owner of the dog did nothing to help, and left Megan to deal with the situation along with friend Jane Warner, who was riding with her.

Zoe said: “The owner didn’t even apologise, he just walked off. It’s disgusting.

“We just want people to be aware there is a dangerous dog out there.”

The family reported the incident to the police, and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

The attack happened at 10.30am on Sunday. The dog was a brown/grey whippet or lurcher-type dog.

Zoe added: “The girls were riding where they should be, on the trotting track, and having a lovely morning before this happened.

“People should be able to go for a ride or a walk in the woods without the threat of being mauled by a ferocious dog.

“If it had targeted a child then who knows what would have happened.”