Horse has to be put down after getting stuck in mud at Greatstone

Bex wrote:

My heart really goes out to the poor girl and her horse. I lost my horse last year which I'd had for 15 years and was utterly devasted. My thoughts are with her at this horrible, horrible time.

16 Jul 2010 12:20 PM

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Sophie wrote:

Another comment for Peter Faulkner, its clear you know very little about this tragic day. The comments are untrue, inappropriate and unkind.

16 Jul 2010 12:03 PM

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zoe king wrote:

This comment is to Peter.It is a foolish and ignorant person who makes such strong conclusions on a subject that he has litte information on.

Firstly the riders were not as stated young riders but very experienced and conscientious owners, There is no blame to be had, It was a tragic Accident, Which resulted in the Devastating loss of a Lifetime Pet & Treasured Friend of 18yrs.

It was the riders first time at Greatstone Beach, So Therefore were not the riders observed the day before.
It is clear to see from the photo, That The horse is only a few feet from the Dry sand.

Your comments were Insensitive and Narrow-minded and most of all, Cruel.

16 Jul 2010 11:33 AM

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Joy wrote:

I don't think it's fair to blame the riders. I don't think I'd know the difference at a glance between wet sand and dangerous mud if I was on the beach, especially if I'm not walking on it on my own two feet! I feel so sorry for the rider who lost her horse. The article is slightly misleading because it says the horse could not be pulled to safety and so had to be put down, but later it says the horse was winched to dry sand and then put down anyway. Couldn't they save it with a broken leg?

16 Jul 2010 11:13 AM

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Louisa wrote:

This such a sad story , Most people take there horses to the beach so they can be free of cars, lorries etc and rude drivers who seem to forget that the horse was on the road first, horses benefit from the salt water and usally enjoy themself, its likely these horse were having a lovley time when this accident happened and the owner is not to blame as most young people do not know the dangers on this beach, this was a accident ! our thoughts must go out to the young owner who must be heartbroken.

16 Jul 2010 10:49 AM

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Peter Faulkner wrote:

Surely someone should consider action taken against the owners and/or riders on the grounds of cruelty, lack of duty of care etc?

Greatstone beach has two distinct areas. One is very firm sand suitable for all sorts of sport, including horse riding; and horse riding does take place on this area of the beach.
The other area is mud which leads down to the sea edge. This mud is relatively firm in some places and very soft in others. The mud can be soft enough for a small child to sink in, let alone a very much heavier horse.
The difference in look, texture etc of the two areas is very clear and it is very obvious when one moves from one area to the other.

The horse yesterday was trapped in the soft mud several yards from the firm sand. So what was the rider doing on this part of the beach which is clearly dangerous to all?
Surely those responsible for animals, have a duty of care to make sure that where they take their animals is safe for them.
Clearly the owner/rider of this horse did no such thing and should therefore be prosecuted?

Only the day before, some horses and riders were over a quarter of a mile out from the firm stand, very next to the sea edge, the tide being out. Some horses were riderless and seemingly running free.
A very dangerous place to be for horses.
I cannot say that it was the same group but probability says it was.

Whatever happens in this particular tragic case, something must be done about such irresponsible horse owners/riders. They are not being fair to their animals.

15 Jul 2010 5:52 PM

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