One person has been seriously injured after a crash involving a vehicle and a horse in rural North Canterbury.

Emergency services were called to Tram Road, near the intersection with Whites Road in Swannanoa, about 6.55pm on Friday.

Police said initial indications were that one person had been seriously injured.

A police spokesperson said the horse had not survived.

Tram Road was closed near the scene following the crash, and motorists were urged to avoid the area if possible.

The circumstances of the crash have not yet been confirmed.