Owner's devastation after four horses die in crash

The road was closed for more than seven hours following the collision

A top eventer has spoken of his devastation after four horses died when the vehicle carrying them was struck by a lorry on the A9 near Perth.

Nick Gauntlett was heading to the Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials at the time of the crash at about 14:45 on Tuesday.

The horse transporter had broken down when it was hit by the lorry.

His horse, Party Trick, died alongside three animals belonging to US-born eventer Sophie Hulme.

Police Scotland are investigating the circumstances of the crash and said two people were taken to hospital for treatment.

Nick Gauntlett, pictured here on a different horse, said he and his family were "heartbroken" over the horses' deaths

Mr Gauntlett, who is an international eventer and coach, is based in Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire.

Party Trick was born in 2012 and was both a competition horse and breeding stallion.

Writing on Facebook, Mr Gauntlett said: "My amazing family are fine and that is definitely the main thing.

"You don't need the details, but we lost all four horses on board. We are obviously all heartbroken."

Gloucestershire-based Ms Hulme, who was already at Blair Castle, said: "I am so absolutely devastated and at a loss for words.

"Three of my lovely horses my precious babies are gone. Taken far too soon from this world.

"My world is completely upside down at the moment."