Source:  Various

Forty-four children between the ages of 8-17 were hurt Thursday evening when they were thrown from their horses during a torch-lit procession near Lathen in Emsland, Germany.  Over 100 horses and riders, mostly children, were participating in the parade which was part of a riding vacation at a local facility.

The incident started when one participant dropped their torch, spooking nearby horses which then threw their riders causing a chain reaction.  All the injured individuals were taken to hospital and treated.  One 14-year-old girl was trampled and is in critical but stable condition according to media reports.

All the loose horses were eventually rounded up.  There were no reports of injuries to any of the animals.