Hunting leaders condemn behaviour of woman caught on video kicking pony

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(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

The Hunting Office and the Cottesmore have condemned the behaviour of a rider who was caught on video appearing to aim a kick at a pony at the weekend.

Hunt saboteurs shared the footage, of horses’ being loaded, on social media yesterday (7 November). It shows a grey pony get free at the bottom of a lorry ramp and trot into the road, where he is caught.

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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.

Hunting leaders condemn behaviour of woman caught on video kicking pony

A woman, dressed in breeches and boots, takes the pony’s rope and appears to kick at its chest, then smacks its face.

The saboteurs who filmed the incident said the rider was out with the Cottesmore, a spokesman for which said: “The Cottesmore hunt does not condone this type of behaviour under any circumstances and we will be reminding all of our supporters that this will not be tolerated.”

The footage has made national news, and been shared by anti-hunt groups online.

A spokesman for the Hunting Office said: “The Hunting Office expects the highest level of animal welfare at all times and condemns the actions taken by this individual who is not a member of the hunting associations.”

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