A Scottish horse owner has been fined after allowing an underweight horse take part in a 12-mile ride in 2013, resulting in injuries to the animal.
Joseph Ward, 38, of Kirknewton, West Lothian, allowed his horse — called Humphrey (pictured top prior to his rescue and below after recovering in the Scottish SPCA’s care) — to be taken on the ride, of approximately 12 miles, while underweight and “unfit for such exercise”. He was fined £635 following an investigation by the Scottish SPCA.
Mr Ward appeared at Livingston Sheriff Court on Thursday (30 April), pleading guilty to failing to protect the animal from suffering and injury. The ride caused “multi-limb lameness, a withers sore, tachycardia and exhaustion”, the court heard.
The horse had been on loan and was taking part in the Currie of the Marches, when the Scottish SPCA was alerted to his condition.
“A concerned member of the public contacted us after Humphrey had been taken on a six hour long common ride in May 2013,” said Scottish SPCA Inspector Tracy McNaughton.
“We arranged for an independent equine vet to attend, who stated that Humphrey was in extremely poor body condition, with a body score of 1.5 out of 5.
“The vet also concluded that Humphrey was exhausted, lame on three legs and should not have been taken on such a long and hard ride.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Humphrey was taken into our care, where he made a full recovery.”
The court has now allowed the horse to be returned to his owner, but the Scottish SPCA will continue to monitor the situation and the horse’s wellbeing for the next year.
“We are pleased Ward has admitted this offence,” added Inspector McNaughton.
David McKie of Levy and McRae solicitors, defending, stressed the horse was thin, not emaciated.
He added: “Mr Ward has been riding horses since he was six. He’s a very caring, compassionate horse owner and Humphrey was always well-fed, well looked after and much-loved.
“He’s prepared to accept that this was an error of judgment which he very much holds his hands up to.”
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.
