The Torrington driver who hit a horse in Litchfield Wednesday told state police he was unable to see due to the glare from the sun.

The crash happened just before 11:30 a.m. near East Street and E. Litchfield Road.

State police found the horse severely injured in the middle of the eastbound and westbound lanes.

Troopers say Haiver Smith Obas was driving east on East Street and told trooper he could not see due to the sun’s glare, which resulted in his vehicle hitting the horse and the rider.

The rider and horse were crossing in the designated crosswalk when they were struck.

The rider was not injured.

As News 12 reported, the horse was euthanized due to his injuries. Police say the animal was euthanized on scene at the request of the owner.

Obas was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured.

He was found to be at fault and received an infraction for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.