Rules against mules — ‘they’re earists!’
A RIDER banned from taking her mule to a yard jokingly described the venue as “earist”.
Sarah Hemmings was surprised to be told she could not take part in trec training and a competition at Willicote Equestrian Centre.
“I can’t believe it,” Sarah told H&H. “Now I know what it’s like to be discriminated against — they’re earists!”
Sarah has owned Honey, the unexpected result of a dalliance between a Holsteiner mare and an enterprising donkey stallion — kept in a steeply sloping field — for seven years.
“We’ve been everywhere and never had a problem,” she said.
“But this centre said she’ll frighten the horses.”
Willicote owner David Stephenson said it is a livery yard, which is occasionally hired out.
“We rented it to some trec people who had a donkey or mule,” he told H&H. “Unfortunately, when he made a noise, it upset the horses. No one was hurt but, this time, I asked the organiser to ask anyone intending to bring one of these animals to refrain.
“I have a duty of care to my liveries, the horses and the public.”
Mr Stephenson said he could understand Sarah’s disappointment, adding: “I never set out to discriminate.
“I’m all for people enjoying the sport, and [enjoying] horses, and the last thing I want is to cause any distress.”