LOSS, LIGHTNING STRIKE FAMILY'S PASTURE.(CAPITAL REGION)

Byline: RICK KARLIN Staff writer

Marilyn Coffey is still trying to overcome the trauma of seeing her two beloved horses lying dead in the pasture behind her family's home, but she may at least take comfort in the knowledge that they died quickly and in a manner that has killed countless animals.

The horses were struck by lightning Thursday night as they huddled against one another during a violent storm.

While two horses being hit at once may sound unusual, scientists say that large animals, whether cattle, deer or horses, typically fall prey to lightning strikes at far higher rates than do humans.

Coffey said it wasn't until early Friday …