UPDATE: Police find owners of horses involved in Gisborne crash

UPDATE, 10.30am FRIDAY: A woman remains in a serious condition at The Royal Melbourne Hospital after a car crash involving horses at Gisborne South.

THURSDAY:

A WOMAN is in a serious condition after the car she was driving collided with escaped horses at Gisborne South Thursday morning.

The three horses died at the scene.

Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said the woman was in her late 60s.

"She suffered head and facial injuries and was taken to The Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition," Mr Mullen said.

"A passenger was uninjured but was treated for shock and also taken to The Royal Melbourne for further observation.

"A MICA unit attended from Melbourne and also the Riddells Creek ambulance."

Gisborne's Leading Senior Constable Mustafa Emin said a single car was travelling west as three escaped horses were running in the opposite direction on Millett Road.

"It was still dark, it happened about 6.30am," Leading Senior Constable Emin said. 

"We are still making inquiries as to where the horses came from."

Leading Senior Constable Emin said two horses died on impact and a veterinarian had to put-down the third horse at the scene.

"It is a good reminder for people to make sure their animals are secured," he  said.

"It happens every now and then that animals get out."

The Country Fire Authority and State Emergency Service also attended the scene. 

Millett Road was closed for about an hour.

Leading Senior Constable Emin urged anyone missing horses to contact Gisborne Police Station on 5428 2500.

A Macedon Ranges Shire Council local law says "an owner or occupier of land must ensure that the land on which a farm animal is kept is adequately fenced or confined in a satisfactory condition to ensure that the type of farm animal kept on the land cannot escape from it".

The council can impound livestock if it has escaped, or if there is a risk of it wandering from a property. Charges apply and fines might be issued.

There is more information and advice on secure fencing on the council's website.