Police filmed repeatedly punching and kicking man after he falls off horse in bizarre pursuit

Video has emerged of a man being repeatedly kicked and punched for two minutes by a group of US police officers after leading them on a dramatic pursuit on horseback.

The bizarre chase began when deputies at Victor Valley, in California, went to a home to serve a search warrant over an identity theft investigation, NBC News reports.

The suspect fled by car and led police on a lengthy pursuit before abandoning the vehicle at Bowen Ranch, about 140km east of Los Angeles.

He then allegedly stole a horse and rode it over rugged dirt trails, causing injuries to the horse, before a police helicopter arrived and identified his position.

Aerial video captured by NBC's Channel 4 chopper showed the man falling off the horse as the team of deputies surrounded him.

The officers are seen using a Taser to stun him, and then repeatedly bashing him as he lay on the ground - reportedly kicking him 17 times and punching him 37 times.

The man was left lying on the ground for more than 45 minutes without receiving medical attention, according to NBC News.

San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon has ordered an internal investigation.

"I can certainly understand the concerns in the community based on what they saw on the video," Sheriff McMahon said.

"I'm disturbed by what I see in the video. But I don't need to jump to conclusions at this point, until we do a complete and thorough investigation. If our deputy sheriffs did something wrong, they'll be put off work and they'll be dealt with appropriately, all in accordance with the law as well as our department policy."