This is the shocking moment an impatient motorist drives into the back of a horse - leaving the animal with serious injuries and the rider on the floor.

CCTV footage shows a silver car trying to overtake the horse and a parked vehicle at the same time on a road in Castleton, Rochdale , on Thursday.

But the driver hits the animal's back legs and the speeds off down the road.

The rider can be seen being flung to the ground with the horse bolting after the impact.

The animal is understood to have required urgent surgery as a result.

Jill Young, a friend of the rider - believed to be named Louise - posted the video on Facebook.

She wrote: "So this happened to a friend of mine yesterday (Thursday) and her horse is now undergoing major surgery.

(Image: INS News)

"The woman driver drove away leaving Louise on the floor."

She added: "Why would anyone drive so close to a horse and rider? Why would anyone injure said animal and person and drive away? I'm so angry."

Kate Rhodes posted on Facebook: "This is one of the most horrific things I have ever seen.

"She needs to be prosecuted and banned from driving forever. Totally disgusting and inexcusable. I really hope that horse and rider will make a full recovery."

Another user, Jaimee Blackburn, said: "Absolutely shocking. What the hell was the driver thinking? Really hope horse and rider are okay."

We have approached Greater Manchester Police for more information.