THE BSJA has launched an enquiry into the handling of stallions at shows after a 19-year-old gelding stabled overnight at the Scope Show Jumping Festival at Staffordshire County showground was attacked by a stallion which had apparently escaped from its temporary stable.
So severe were the injuries inflicted that the horse is unlikely to compete again.
Commenting on the attack, BSJA marketing executive Jacky Knightley said: “We are holding an enquiry into the incident and will be bringing up the issue of stallions and safety at our next executive meeting.
“At affiliated events, stallions are required to be identified by a disc on their bridle when in the ring or working-in area, so that other riders are warned to keep their distance. “
“However, any regulations which may be brought in relating to the way affiliated shows deal with stallions would only be recommendations.
Michael Mac, director of Scope Promotions which organised the Scope Festival, suggests that there is a need for action by the BSJA.
“It was a very unfortunate incident which could have happened at any show. We have 24hr security in the stable area and as I understand it the owner of the stallion had taken some precautions to safeguard other horses while his own animal was in the stable.
However, I feel that the BSJA should issue more definite guidelines on what the responsibilities of stallion owners and show organisers are.
For more details, see Horse & Hound this week (12 October)
