One of the pressing issues experienced by the equestrian community, apart from the horse fatalities off the field, is the negligence seen in the backstretch. While the sport showcases the marvel that the creatures and enthusiasts hold in presenting the event every step ahead, the hidden ignorance and unkind acts cast a shadow over the cherished community. This situation solely highlights the bond between humans and the equines.

Like all other pursuits, the sport hosts regulations to closely monitor and stand against unwelcome acts. Nonetheless, reports cite hundreds of breaches recorded every year on the racing course. This year, a case in Anderson, Indiana, joins the numbers as a video portraying grueling acts surfaces in the community.

Equestrian community witnesses baffling incident

On the 28th of September, an animal rights advocacy group posted a video on YouTube showcasing the cruel acts of an unidentified person in the stables. The person, now identified as Dale Hiteman, 69, was caught hitting his horses in the video. Following the contents, Madison County officials proceeded to investigate Hiteman, the trainer, and owner of the horse. The incident took place on the morning of June 1st, and Hiteman explained his actions upon identification.

Hiteman stated that his actions were an attempt to get his horse – Princess Laa – to get up. The trainer has now been charged with one count of cruelty to an animal. The Madison County Prosecutor’s Office later also announced that Hiteman had been charged with a class A misdemeanor for allegedly striking a two-year-old horse at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing and Casino in Madison County, according to fox59.

Also Read: International Equestrian Trainer Suspended Amidst Growing Concerns Over Horse Health

The office cited, Indiana Code section 35-46-3-12(b), further stating, “A person who knowingly or intentionally abuses a vertebrate animal commits cruelty to an animal, a class A misdemeanor.” Following the case, the investigators have decided upon the necessary penalty for the trainer.

Officials hold Hiteman accountable

While investigating the matter, officials also spoke to individuals to gather statements on the case. One of the witnesses told the investigators that they quit working for the trainer after briefly witnessing the act. Moving on, the officials spoke to two veterinarians. While one of them gave statements contradictory to the visibilities of the case, the other stated that they did not understand why Hiteman would hit the horse when it was causing no harm.

The proceedings of the case led the officials to hold Hiteman accountable. The Indiana Horse Racing Commission issued Hiteman a 30-day suspension, a $1,500 fine, and probation for the remainder of 2023, stated Paulick Report. However, the conclusions don’t sit right with the activists. The national nonprofit Horseracing Wrongs held a protest to call for the prosecutor’s office to prosecute the incident.

The further decisions of the case are yet to be declared. Fox59 reported that the trainer hasn’t been arrested as of now and the court hearing dates remain unclear.

Watch this story: Equestrian Community Rallies to Improve Social License in Horse Racing