While playing in a polo match in Windsor Great Park in July, Prince Harry‘s horse suffered a bloody injury from the royal’s spurs.
Witnesses claim that he continued to ride the horse after blood was visible on the animal’s flank, but the Palace insists that he stopped playing as soon as the injury was spotted.
Animal rights groups have called Harry “heartless” as the pictures surfaced on Thursday. Polo rules have disciplinary actions for players that use their spurs extensively.
“Any player intentionally striking another player or any pony with his stick, or abusing his pony by excessive use of the whip or spurts shall be severely penalised,” the rules read, which can lead to a fine of ├é┬ú50,000. “Any spur likely to wound a horse is forbidden.”
A spokesman for Prince Harry said:
“Prince Harry was wearing regulation footwear (round-headed spurs) worn by many polo players. As soon as the cut was noticed, play was stopped and the horse was treated properly. The horse was absolutely fine and returned to the field immediately. Prince Harry takes the welfare of his horses incredibly seriously and has been riding this horse for many years. He has nothing but the highest respect for the polo ponies and would never knowingly do anything to cause the animals distress.”
Poor lil horsey!
[Image via WENN.]