THE organisers of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair and RSPCA are investigating after an exhibitor was seen seemingly sparking a lighter in a horse’s face in an attempt to control it.
The incident occurred in the horse ring on the opening day of this year’s Winter Fair, at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, on Monday, November 27.
The incident concerned the coloured horses and ponies section: in the colt, filly or gelding foal competition.
A clip on the Y Sioe Facebook page, courtesy of Welsh language TV channel S4C, seems to capture the spark of a lighter, after which the horse is seen to pull its head back and the exhibitor returns the item to his pocket.
The issue was raised by fellow horse exhibitors, from Derbyshire, who were visiting the Winter Fair this year, but not showing.
“We were watching with other spectators standing around the outside of the show ring,” said one of the witnesses, who said she and her partner wanted to remain anonymous.
“We saw a man competing with a coloured pony. He was using a lighter on its nose to keep its head up. He put the lighter back in his pocket quickly as judges and stewards were approaching.
“My partner wanted to jump in the ring because he was so furious. But we said we’d report it properly and go through the correct channels."
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The witness said exhibitors often put oil on their horses faces and coats, so that they shine and stand out more under the lights of the arena, which could have caused a more serious incident.
She added: “What would have happened if this horse had oil on his face and it had ignited?
“We put oil around the muzzle and eyes to make the horse gleam and stand out. People generally use glycerine or baby oil, which also makes the coat shine.
“I might have Tic Tacs in my pocket and shake them, or a mint in my hand, but this is something no horse owner would or should ever do.”
The RWAS, organisers of the Winter Fair, said in a statement: “We are aware of the allegation and are currently investigating. We take all matters relating to animal health and welfare extremely seriously.
“Animal welfare is central to all our events and we have rigorous policies and procedures in place to safeguard and protect all animals as well as our exhibitors, staff, visitors, and volunteers.”
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “The RSPCA has received a report concerning a horse at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair and this is currently with our operations team.
“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.”
The exhibitor concerned was contacted by the County Times, but declined to comment.
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