Tina Brown was riding cob Merlin when he bolted as he passed temporary metal railings.

Just over 100 yards further up the path in Station Lane, East Ardsley, near Leeds, she brought the terrified creature under control only for him to keel over and writhe on the ground crying in agony with blood coming from his mouth.

Contractors CR Reynolds are installing kerbing for Leeds City Council along the pathway in Station Lane.

A vet called to the scene managed to sedated the horse but he died in Tina's arms as they waited for the electricity to be shut off.

The Health & Safety Executive is investigating the incident which happened around 4.20pm on Wednesday.

Police have also removed a section of cable for examination.

Ms Brown, 54, who runs the nearby Foxholes Animal Hotel, said today: "Merlin bolted forward and galloped off. I thoughtFrom page 1
he'd been shot or something by his reaction.

"I eventually managed to stop him and got off. Then he groaned really loudly, his legs buckled and he slumped against a lamppost and crumpled to the ground.

"He started screaming, I've never heard a noise like it. He must have been in such pain."

A distraught Ms Brown phoned a friend and a vet. She said: "We couldn't move him because he was putting shocks into us. My friend tried to take the bit out of his mouth but the shock threw her to the ground.

"The vet, thank God, managed to put a sedative in him so he was unconscious.

"Merlin had his steel shoes on so the current must have gone up his legs. I got nothing, but I was on a leather saddle and wearing rubber boots."

Before the vet could put Merlin down, because of the brain injuries he would have sustained, the horse died. It was only deemed safe to move the body at 10pm.

Tina had had Merlin for eight years.

A council spokesman said: "We are saddened to hear of this matter and are looking in to it as a matter of urgency."

She confirmed highway improvement works were taking place on behalf of the council in the road.

Health & Safety inspector Richard McWilliam said: "We are making initial inquiries and I can't tell you much beyond that as it may turn into a criminal investigation."