Response from riding school to TikTok video

A Harborough riding stables has defended itself on social media after a
video posted on TikTok went viral.

The footage captured by onlookers at Saddington Riding School and Livery
near Fleckney appears to show a horse in some distress being hit and
prodded by a pole.

During the video the apparently startled horse, carrying a female rider,
also lurches backwards and collides with a metal gate.

It’s led to widespread accusations of cruelty to the animal on social
media.

In response, trainer Emma Tate from the stables posted on Facebook to
explain that the pole was hollow and made of plastic – and used in
preference to a lunge whip. She said the horse is called Echo, and had
developed a habit of “napping” – meaning it was refusing to move
forwards.

Her post goes on to reveal the horse has since been sold to a “lovely
home” after passing a five stage vetting process. Emma adds: “I’ve
worked with horses a long time and at no point of my career have I
“abused” a horse. All of my horses are well kept and I’ve got great
passion and love for every single horse on the yard.”

However, the RSPCA has confirmed it is looking into the incident.