Google Street View had a very awkward encounter with a horse

The car spooked the horse, and the rider ended up in the dirt.
 By 
Brian Koerber
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable


Even after all these years, people are still finding hilarious encounters captured by the Google Street View car.

In October of 2009, the car had a very unfortunate run in with a person riding a horse, which eventually made it to the app and has lived there ever since, just waiting for someone to discover it. 


You May Also Like

The incident, which was first spotted by imgurian ttra, occurred in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. As the car is traveling down a dirt road, it approaches a person riding a horse.


Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable


But as the vehicle approaches, the horse gets a little spooked. 


Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The horse's freakout was a bit too much for the rider to handle, and they eventually decided a field was a much safer place to be. 


Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Wrong move. In the car's next picture, the rider can be seen laying in the ground as the horse runs off into the distance. 


Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

It appears as if the driver may have at least stopped, because the next image shows the rider and horse together, farther away than if the car would have kept moving. 


Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable



Via Giphy


The rider was clearly able to walk away from the incident, so we can only assume they are all right. 

But to be fair to the spooked horse, the Google Street view car is a little weird looking.


Mashable Image
Credit: PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES


Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.


photo of brian
Brian Koerber

Brian was the Culture Editor and has been working at Mashable on the web culture desk since 2014.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
The Northern Lights will be visible in the U.S. tonight. Here's how to view it.
19 January 2026, Brandenburg, Lietzen: Northern lights shine in the night sky over the landscape in eastern Brandenburg.

Google Maps receives major upgrade with 3D redesign, AI feature
Google Maps upgrade

My awkward first date with an AI companion
Mashable's Anna Iovine sits at a table staring at a phone while an image of an AI person is overlaid indicating the AI date she is talking to.


The new Antigravity 8K drone just got its first big price drop for the Amazon Spring Sale
antigravity a1 drone in snowy field

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!