AMERICUS, Ga. -- Four quarterhorses seeking protection from a storm in an old pecan orchard were killed when lightning struck the tree they were under, authorities said Tuesday.

The horses died Monday afternoon at a farm about four miles from Americus, Sumter County sheriff's Lt. Andy King said.

"There were other horses in the pasture, but just luckily for them they were not under the tree when the lightning hit," King said.

The horses' owner is a resident of Sumter County, but King said he did not have his name.