Horse destroyed after being hit by ute

A horse had to be destroyed by police after being hit by a ute on State Highway 1 near Taupo early this morning.

Constable Trevor Mischewski said the horse was one of three which ran in front of a southbound Ford Courier about 3am at Waitahanui, south of Taupo.

The driver was uninjured and the vehicle was moderately damaged.

Mr Mischewski said the horse did not appear to be wild and warned people with horses to keep them secure.

"The crash could have had far more serious consequences and in the circumstances the driver was very lucky."

- NZPA