Horses’ owner let them live in squalor

CLYDESDALE horses used to pull carriages around the former home of Queen Victoria were left emaciated, mite infested and standing on piles of excrement up to three feet high, a court heard.

The two horses were among seven animals found in neglected state at the historic Osborne House on the Isle of Wight earlier this year.

Both had untrimmed hooves and were found with their ribs and hip bones showing. The RSPCA was was alerted by concerned members of the public and staff at the English Heritage-run property in March. They inspected the stables, privately run by Beverly Knight, and were so concerned they called in a vet.

In a prosecution brought by the RSPCA, Knight, 34, of East Cowes, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, not taking steps to ensure the animals were protected from pain or suffering and a further charge of failing to provide the seven horses in her care with a suitable environment.

For Knight, Oscar Vincent said his client was of previous good character but her world “collapsed around her” when her now former partner said he was beginning a relationship with someone else.

Isle of Wight magistrates sentenced Knight to eight weeks in prison, suspended for a year, and ordered her to do 100 hours of unpaid work. All seven horses have since been rehomed.