A teenage competitor at a Las Vegas barrel racing show is accused of stabbing three horses, according to a report published Saturday, May 31.
Details on the suspect’s identity, age, and the specific charges filed — if any — hadn’t been made public as of the report’s release. The condition of the three horses wasn’t immediately clear.
The incident
Barrel racing is a rodeo-style speed event in which horse-and-rider teams circle a cloverleaf pattern of barrels. Competitions regularly draw large numbers of horses and riders, often including junior competitors. Las Vegas hosts multiple equestrian events throughout the year.
The stabbing of competition horses by another competitor would be unusual in the sport. Animal cruelty involving livestock in Nevada can carry felony-level charges depending on the extent of injury and the circumstances — but no specific charges had been confirmed in available reporting.
Law enforcement agency involvement and the status of any investigation were not detailed in the initial report. Whether the show was halted or continued after the incident also wasn’t confirmed.
Originally reported by 13WMAZ. Read the original report.
