Polocrosse horses targeted in slashing attack
The owner of two horses who were slashed with a knife in their field has warned others to be vigilant.
Beth Scott’s polocrosse horses, Frankie (pictured, top) and Bella, were attacked some time on Sunday night (18 September).
Ms Scott had been at a tournament on Sunday and returned that evening.
When arrived at the yard on Monday morning, Frankie was clearly upset.
“I couldn’t get anywhere near her,” Ms Scott told H&H.
“I saw she had a rip on her rug, when I was able to take it off I saw she had a slash to her back.”
Ms Scott also discovered that Bella (pictured, below) had a wound to her knee.
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She called out her vet who cleaned up the mares’ wounds before stitching them up.
Frankie, an experienced polocrosse horse, has been left with swelling to her back and required internal and external stitches.
“I thought Bella’s injury could have been a kick, but the top of the wound goes up four inches into her leg,” said Ms Scott.
“I don’t understand who could have done it — it’s so shocking.
“I can’t believe how cruel some people are.”
Ms Scott urges other owners to keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously.
“You never think something like this is going to happen to you,” she added.
Ms Scott has reported the incident to police and anyone with further information should call 101.
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.