PORTLAND, Ore. — A horse trainer was killed Thursday when she was kicked in the head by a loose horse at the Portland Meadows race track.
The Oregonian reported trainer Charlynn Taketa, 62, was kicked by the roaming horse Thursday morning just outside the stables while putting her own horse on a hot walker, a large device that allows horses to be led around in a circle.
Her husband, who is also a trainer, was working with another horse nearby.
“I’m glad she went quickly and died doing what she loved,” said Jerry Taketa, who had wondered what his wife was doing on the ground when he saw her moments after the accident.
He didn’t want the horse the be euthanized.
“It wasn’t the horse’s fault,” Jerry Taketa said.
Portland fire spokesman Paul Corah said paramedics were unable to revive Charlynn Taketa and she died at the scene.
Portland police, the Multnomah County Medical Examiner and representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are looking into the accident, Corah said.
Portland Meadows has been in operation since 1946. It is the summer training season at the track, where 225 race horses are attended by 75 trainers, Jerry Kohls, assistant general manager and director of racing at the track, told The Oregonian.
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