A runaway horse startled walkers after throwing its rider and making its way back to the stable at high speed yesterday.

An alarmed eye-witness said she was almost knocked down on Wimbledon Common by the errant horse, which it later transpired had come from the Ridgway Stables in Wimbledon Village.

Wimbledon Times:

Wimbledon Common where the runaway horse was spotted

Julia Hardy, the stables owner, said both rider and horse were absolutely fine after the incident at about 10am yesterday morning.

Natasha Reddy was making her way back to her car when she saw the horse, minus rider, in full pelt around the common.

She said the common ranger’s jeep was called but could not track down the animal.

Ms Hardy said: "The rider lost his balance and slipped off.

"The horse made his way home and is absolutely fine.

"I would like to say sorry to anyone who had a fright.

"Some horses decide to graze on the common and some get spooked and try to get home.

"These things happen."

A member of staff from the stables spotted the horse, who is usually quite placid, across the road from the stables in Ridgway, and led him across the road safely.

The rider had been on a private hack with an instructor and was not injured.