'Upside down' - but OK

POST FALLS - Lauren Johnson said her world was "flipped upside down" - literally and figuratively - when she was struck by a vehicle while riding horseback.

But what upsets the Post Falls woman about the Aug. 16 incident on Garwood Road more than injuries that have sidelined her busy everyday life, including her 21st birthday, is what it did to Blondie, her buckskin quarterhorse.

"I really don't care that I broke a (collarbone) and had to have a titanium plate put in me," Johnson said. "But I have a feeling that I won't be able to ride Blondie like I used to again. I've never had such a loyal animal."

Despite that frustration, the Lake City High graduate said she's starting to realize she has a lot to be thankful for.

"I'm glad she's alive and that I'm alive," Johnson said. "I won't push riding her. If she does nothing but grow fat and eat healthy in my front yard, that's the way it will be."

No arrests have been made after the incident north of Hayden. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office is seeking information on a black or dark gray truck possibly with racks on top.

Becca Lobato, a friend who was riding alongside Johnson, estimates the truck was traveling at least 60 mph in the 40 mph zone. The two were riding on the side of the paved road east of U.S. 95 near Rimrock Road.

"That truck should have a dent in its front (passenger) side," Johnson said. "I vaguely remember saying, 'That truck is hauling balls' because I could hear it coming."

The next thing Johnson remembers was being in the hospital.

"I was more irritated than anything because I didn't want to be there and I shouldn't have been there," she said. "(The driver) had so much room and no cars were coming. They had to have seen us. I just wish (the driver) would have stopped."

Johnson spent 12 days in the hospital with a fractured skull, cracked vertebrae and broken collarbone. She later had to have surgery on her collarbone.

Blondie doesn't have any broken bones that Johnson is aware of, but remains limping and may not be able to handle an adult on her back again.

Gena Loper, who owns a Stateline ranch that Johnson works at, has assisted Johnson with Blondie's veterinarian bills.

Co-workers and customers at the Coffee Cottage in Post Falls, Johnson's other workplace, raised $3,500 to assist Johnson with medical bills. About $400 of the amount came from a 4-H pig raffle donated by Tim's Special Cut Meats.

"It will help her get back on her feet," said Angela Alexander, Johnson's boss at the coffee shop. "We have an amazing supportive community that steps up to help their own."

Johnson said she has insurance that will pay for some of the costs as well.

"What everyone has done has been amazing," Johnson said. "I had no clue what kind of friends I had, but I do now."

Johnson has returned to work on a limited basis at the coffee stand. She still isn't supposed to lift anything heavier than a pound. She's also having to use her left arm more now because her right shoulder is injured.

"I'm not used to not being able to work, but the family and friends watching out for me has been incredible," she said.