Two horses killed in Appleby Horse Fair crash
Two horses have died in a crash at Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria.
The RSPCA is now appealing for information after the accident on a “flashing lane” at the fair this afternoon (Friday 5 June).
The “flashing lane” is where horses are ridden and driven at high-speed to show them off to potential buyers.
One horse died in the accident and another horse had to be put down by a vet from Redwings.
The identity of the people involved in the crash is unknown, as they had left before RSPCA officers and the vet arrived.
“We believe one horse was pulling a sulky while the other is thought to have been being ridden,” said RSPCA chief inspector Rob Melloy.
“Our inspectors didn’t witness the incident but were on the scene shortly afterwards.
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“We want to hear from anyone who did see what happened. They can approach us at the event or call the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
RSPCA chief inspector Melloy said: “Two horses have died as a result of this incident, but it could have been worse still.
“People must ensure that they are in control when they are riding or driving horses on the flashing lane at speed.
“Failing to do so can easily result in serious injury and even death.”
The RSPCA is working with four other equine welfare organisations at Appleby Horse Fair — Redwings, the Blue Cross, The Donkey Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare.
The fair has been in existence for at least 300 years and is largest horse fair in Britain and among the oldest in Europe. It attracts around 40,000 visitors each year, including around 10,000 from the travelling community. This year it runs from 4-10 June.
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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.